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PETAN, Others Leverage Local Content To Maximise Economic Gains Of AfCFTA
The Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Nicolas Odinuwe, has joined critical stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in Africa to deliberate on how to lay a solid foundation for the design of an African Local Content mechanism to maximise the economic benefits from the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in the hydrocarbon value chain.
The pan-African engagement themed, ‘Fostering Local Content in Africa for Africans’, was hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Odinuwe, speaking on behalf of Nigerian service companies, emphasised the role of legislation needed to create a regulatory mechanism to midwife the process and ensure independent funding that would promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive entrepreneurship and capacity building and promote inclusiveness and integration in the region.
He said that while African content was a relatively need concept, regional cooperation was not, and developing a standard local content framework would involve a conscious utilisation of goods and services available within the continent to exploit and produce Africa’s vast and largely untapped oil and gas reserves.
“The time has come for us to look beyond our local arrangements at the bigger picture, to see how we can harness available resources within our continent for our collective development and the key to unlocking this potential is collaboration”, he said.
He, therefore, advised that the regional local content regulatory model incorporate provisions that will ensure that its minders are people of the right skill set who will help direct capital to where there are opportunities as local content does not always develop commensurately with capital flows.
He commended the efforts of the NCDMB through its committed leadership for the successful implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act which has exponentially grown the capacities and capabilities of Nigerian service companies, including that of PETAN and created synergy among stakeholders through constructive engagements and innovative programmes to encourage and incentivise local companies to form joint ventures with foreign companies to ensure technology transfer as well as the development of young minds in the field of Engineering through Science and Technology Innovation challenges and vocational trainings.
He noted that PETAN’s partnership with the NCDMB and other critical stakeholders have ensured that indigenous companies were creating the needed domestic production linkages to ensure that the extractive industry makes significant contributions to accelerate the economic growth and development of Nigeria and now Africa.
While urging an enabling environment to create a private-sector-led regional oil and gas industry, Odinuwe described the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a key enabler which has helped to widen the path for Africa as the next global energy hub with great investment opportunities.
“Governments across Africa”, he charged, “especially the Sub-Saharan Africa oil and gas producing countries should provide the necessary incentives to attract private-sector investments across the entire value chain of the oil and gas industry. Using oil and gas as its critical resources, Africa speedily promotes its development”.
He added that PETAN, as the foremost leading advocacy group of over 300 indigenous oil and gas service companies with over 30 years experience across the entire value chain of the industry will always be ready to partner relevant national and regional stakeholders to share experiences and expertise as well as nurture, mentor and invest in available opportunities across the region and continent.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, express the commitment of the board to facilitate linkages among all stakeholders in the oil and gas value chain, and thanked participants for their desire to push the envelope for the development of the continent.
Wabote stated that African countries have been fascinated by the remarkable impact and achievements of Nigeria in the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and the development of its hydrocarbon resources which is anchored on the philosophy of in-country value addition.
He said that this has inspired some African countries to undertake a study tour to Nigeria to understand the NCDMB delivery model with some signing similar local content laws or policies based on insights from Nigeria.
He added that the APPO Charter on Bilateral Cooperation among oil producing countries as well as the signing of the AfCFTA were bold steps which has prompted a new era for the galvanisation of the region towards regional cooperation around developing capacities and capabilities to deliver oil and gas services in the continent.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the government working to create enabling environment for businesses in the sector to thrive, and build wealth for the country.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr, Omar Farouk Ibrahim, said that players in the sector were exploring investment opportunities to jump-start a new era in the industry.
It would be recalled that PETAN spearheaded a steering committee at its recently concluded Sub-African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) 2021 following passionate calls for regional collaboration and deepening of local content by stakeholders across Africa.
Discussions focused on evaluation of regulatory models for the governance, funding and monitoring of local content implementation in frontline economies, laying a solid foundation for the design of an African Local Content programme to maximise economic benefits from implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in hydrocarbon value chain and data sharing on capacities that exist around skills, infrastructure, facilities, assets and funding for exploration, field development and production activities in Africa.
Representatives from the African Union (AU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) attended the event.
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.