News
SPDC’s Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 Comes On Stream …As Firm Spends N10.5trn On Host Communities
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has commenced production at Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2, a key project in the Niger Delta that will help to boost gas supply to the domestic market and maintain supply to the export market.
A statement by Shell, made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, said Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 follows the success of the first phase of the Gbaran-Ubie integrated oil and gas development, which was commissioned in June 2010.
It explained that peak production at Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 is expected in 2019 with approximately 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent (kboe) per day.
A breakdown of this peak period production is approximately 864 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscf/d) and 26,000 barrels of condensate per day.
SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, said “The latest development at Gbaran-Ubie is a powerful statement on the continuing commitment of SPDC and our Joint Venture partners to harness Nigeria’s oil and gas resources for the benefit of the country and stakeholders”.
“The project was delivered safely through an integrated team with a significant engagement and empowerment of community service providers and Nigerian companies,” Okunbor added.
The Tide gathered that 18 wells have been drilled and a new pipeline constructed between Kolo Creek and Soku, which connects the existing Gbaran-Ubie Central Processing Facility (CPF) to the Soku Non-Associated Gas (NAG) plant.
First gas flowed from the wells in March, 2016, with the facilities coming on stream in July, 2017.
Vice President, Nigeria and Gabon, Peter Costello, said: “This is exciting news for Nigeria as it signals Shell’s continued strategy of deploying investment and expertise in our areas of strength.
“Our aim is to continue to explore areas of partnership in Nigeria where the right conditions exist and where we can add best value,” Costello added.
The Tide investigation show that Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 will help to process the condensate from Kolo Creek, Gbaran, Koroama and Epu fields, thereby assisting in reducing the volume of flaring from SPDC operations.
The project has contributed to economic development in the Niger Delta and assisted the local community and Nigerian companies.
During construction, members of the community and local sub-contractors provided goods and services in line with the provisions of a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).
Training was also provided to the community in pipeline maintenance, scaffolding, welding and piping fabrication.
SPDC is the operator of a joint venture (the SPDC JV) involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC,) SPDC, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and ENI subsidiary Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited.
Meanwhile, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited said it has made an economic contribution of $29billion (approximately N10, 564,127,764,127.76) to Nigerian Government as well as empowering and positively impacting on lives, especially in its host communities in the Niger Delta region and the country at large in the last five years.
The company explained that on the average, it contributes N7billion monthly for the implementation of Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) and Social Investment initiatives in the region.
This was disclosed during an integrated stakeholders’ forum organized by SPDC-JV for its host communities from Ahoada-West in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
Shell General Manager, External Relations, Mr Igo Weli stated that Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) work in partnership with state governments, communities and civil society groups to implement policies on social investment that would better the lives of Nigerians, especially those in host communities.
“This is done through Social Investment activities, which focus on community and enterprise development, education, health, access to energy and road safety. This, however, excludes community-driven development programmes and initiatives delivered through GMoU which focuse on various themes as determined by benefitting communities,” Weli said.
Represented by the Shell Stakeholder Relations Manager, Dr Alice Ajeh emphasized that the GMoU cluster community for Ekpeye, which was frozen for many years ago, has now been reactivated, noting that all payments made in respect to GMoU implementation were available for perusal by affected communities.
He stressed that while forming the community clusters for the proper utilization of funds for the GMoU, SPDC strives to ensure that 30 per cent of members were women while 70 per cent men.
The general manager explained that the chairmen of the Cluster Development Boards make up the governing body for the GMoU, adding that the board provides for the immediate basic needs of their communities.
He noted that plans were underway to organize interactive forum with the community cluster development boards (CDBs) to provide accountability platform on how they have been utilising the monthly N7billion GMoU fund.
Speaking, the Cluster Board Chairman, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Isaac Abraham stated that SPDC has positively impacted on the people of the area, adding that the company was not to blame for the many infrastructure deficit issues in communities.
Abraham commended SPDC for positively impacting on the lives of host communities, especially the youth, adding that if other stakeholders were fulfilling their obligations as much as Shell, the Niger Delta would have been transformed.
“I said I have positive commendation for SPDC because for several years, if you go to the grassroots, there is no presence of government, but what we experience as development here now is from SPDC through the proper utilisation of GMoU funds.
We are ready to give account of how we spent the GMoU fund,” he said.
In separate interviews with The Tide on the way forward to reduce the high rate of pipeline vandalism and sabotage of crude oil assets in the Niger Delta, some concerned youth of communities in Abua/Odual, Ekpeye and Engenni, expressed readiness to collaborate with Shell to safeguard critical oil and gas facilities in host communities.
The Uwema Aminigbo Community Palace Secretary, January Igoma, appealed to SPDC to make Aminigboko Emughan Community hospital built since 1995, functional, adding that the community wants the medical staff withdrawn from the facility reinstated.
He also listed other demands as rehabilitation of the two water projects, the Owerewere Link Road, Emughan junction linking Aminigboko Road, as well as the Emesu linking the Emesu Waterside Road.
Speaking, the Engenni people listed their demands to include scholarship to the youth, reconstruction of internal roads, skills acquisition programmes, pipe-borne water, employment and empowerment opportunities for the people, while urging for investment in agriculture development to make the people self-sufficient in food production.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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.