Business
Anti-Oil Theft Crusaders Fault Calls For Surveillance Contracts Revocation
Anti-pipeline vandalism crusaders in the Niger Delta have criticised the National Awareness Forum (NAF) for reportedly urging the Federal Government to cancel the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract managed by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The campaigners, operating under the Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation/Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering Task Force Group (APV-OTIBTFG), have additionally alleged that the NAF is backed by oil theft cabals engaged in the illicit pilfering of crude oil in the region.
In a communique issued to journalists after its emergency meeting convened by its Leader, Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder, popularly known as ‘General’ Osama, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the weekend, the group condemned in strong terms the unwarranted call that the surveillance contract job be cancelled.
The communique read, in part: “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the purported NAF is a tool being used by oil theft cabals involved in the illicit theft of crude oil in the region.
“The call is unfounded, frivolous, baseless and false against a reputable and noble oil company. We are disappointed that some disgruntled, unscrupulous and criminal elements who have failed the country and Nigerians through their criminal actions over the years would descend so low to say that the officially awarded pipeline surveillance contract awarded to PINL should be terminated.
“While we condemn in totality the call made by this group calling for the cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract, we unanimously and vehemently dismiss all unfounded and baseless allegations leveled against the management of the firm.
“We are really pained to see this in the media but we want to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the allegations are fabricated lies from the figment of their poor imagination.
“The PINL is a company of international repute, which operates according to global best practices and this made the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to have confidence in PINL by awarding it the contract.
“We have also resolved to pass a vote of confidence in the management of PINL because of the remarkable and outstanding achievements they had made that resulted in the drastic reduction of criminal activities in the sector as the company diligently carries out its job with sophisticated strategies catalyzed by the use of modern technology.
“We also warn those behind the unfounded claims and their sponsors to desist from cheap blackmail which are signs that they are being frustrated from engaging in their illegal oil business.
“The PINL has succeeded in crumbling and frustrating these oil thieves and their sponsors. We implore Mr President to be wary of them. Also, the NNPCL led by Mr. Mele Kyari should not take them seriously because there is nothing to back up their tissue of lies.
“However, it is also imperative to point out and put the records straight that despite some minor incidents of damages as a result of acts of sabotage on some pipelines and oil theft being recorded in the months of December 2023 and January 2024 in some parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, they were not linked to PINL management’s failure or compromise”.
Recall that the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract was awarded the PINL, under the watch of the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, and Mr Osahon Okunbo, as the Managing Director/CEO of the firm.
MoniePoint Inc. a digital financial firm in Nigeria, has said it is empowering community pharmacists across the country with innovative payment solutions to improve access to drugs.
The financial firm said it had also provided loans for pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to drive healthcare delivery in the country.
MoniePoint in a release titled, “Inside Nigeria’s community pharmacies: How Moniepoint drives healthcare access with payments and funding”, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing digital payment solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
The release examined how community pharmacies play a crucial role as vital access points for medical care in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited hospital or clinic access.
According to the release, the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Igwekwam, highlighted the critical role played by community pharmacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years.
Igwekwam, however, expressed concerns over the challenges confronting the nation’s pharmaceutical industry which he said was hindering access to affordable medicines.
The pharmacist listed poor infrastructural systems, power, transportation, regulatory bottlenecks, importation dependency, and limited research opportunities as major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He also stressed the need for robust collaborative efforts with institutions like Moniepoint to strengthen the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to grow, improving local pharma manufacturing to meet the demands of this growth presents a key opportunity for us all.
“There is also the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which is expected to boost our industry, especially when we start producing our drugs locally, which will provide the much needed foreign exchange from exports.
“We are also seeing advancements in digital health and technology which would hopefully deepen the practice of e-prescription in Nigeria”, the ACPN boss said.
Corlins Walter
In order to enhance customer service and streamline operations, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The President of the institute, Yetunde Ilori, made this call at the 2024 Office Representatives Committee (ORC) Workshop, organised by the institute, with the theme “AI and the Future of the Insurance Industry”, in Lagos.
Ilori at the event, emphasised the importance of AI adoption, noting that it was not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to improve efficiency across the insurance sector.
“It is not about AI taking over our jobs, but about us using AI to simplify processes and give maximum satisfaction to all the customers we serve whether as underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or in educating our members”, she said.
The workshop, which brought players in the insurance sector together, aimed to address how AI could be leveraged to transform business processes and improve customer interactions.
The Chairman of the ORC, Monica Nwachukwu, underscored the role of AI in modernising the industry, adding, “AI can automate customer and claims processes, allowing insurers to provide faster and more efficient services to their customers”.
She explained how AI could help extract data from legacy systems, enhancing decision-making processes.
“By integrating AI with APIs, insurers can feed valuable data into AI solutions to improve operations and customer service”, she added.
In his address, the Managing Partner of A4S and Training Heights, Orlando Odejide, stressed the need for companies to align their strategies with future technologies like AI, especially as they prepare for 2025.
“Any organisation that wants to grow into the future must have its strategic plan in place. If your strategy for 2025 is not ready, it should be done by October”, he advised.
He encouraged participants to think critically about how AI could be integrated into their business models to ensure they remain competitive.
“The idea is for you to use this workshop as a platform to think about your organization and how AI can help streamline your processes and improve growth”, Odejide noted.
In order to gain global respect and recognition, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its goal in ensuring that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global space economy.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA revealed that the Director-General of the agency, Matthew Adepoju, emphasised this during recent engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Global Alliance Business Association international conference in Michigan, United States.
The statement noted that Adepoju outlined a forward-thinking agenda, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s space programme as a leader in research, exploration, and technological innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
“We must foster collaborations with global space agencies to enhance our satellite capabilities and technological infrastructure”, he stated.
The NASRDA boss said the agency is focusing on enhancing satellite capabilities, expanding international collaborations, and leveraging space science for national development.
He said NASRDA will have no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence, ensuring the agency secures the necessary resources and recognition to propel it forward.
“The relationships we build today will pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements in space science.
“Innovation and progress thrive in an environment built on collaboration and inclusivity”, he stated.
He emphasised that with the support of the government, international partners, and a dedicated team, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in the evolving global space landscape.
“We are on the brink of a new era for Nigeria’s space agency. Together, we will ensure our nation stands out in the global space economy”, he said.
Corlins Walter