No immediate floods threat in Nigeria – FG

Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has said there is no immediate threat of flooding, whilst calling on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies. Utsev told newsmen in Abuja that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters today. This, he said, was insignificant, as compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022. According to him, reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also showed a consistent flow regime. “In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters. “The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022. “As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.” The minister called on all tiers of government to ensure preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season. He called on states to increase sensitisation on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during the peak period of rainfall. “States and Local Governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist. “Removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, the general public, especially road users, should desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood”. The minister said it was important to acknowledge the period of heavy rainfall, flooding, and flood-related disasters that typically occured during July, August, September, and October. According to him, Dam water releases are integral to safeguarding dam integrity and mitigating flooding in adjacent communities. The 2023 Annual Flood Outlook showed that 178 LGAs in 32 states of the Federation, and the FCT, fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas. 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation, including the FCT fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risk Areas. 

Tinubu pledges comprehensive overhaul of criminal justice reform

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to implementing an extensive revamp of the criminal justice system. This commitment was expressed as he met with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), headed by its president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. In a statement released on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, it was disclosed that President Tinubu emphasized the importance of reevaluating the compensation provided to judicial officers across the nation, especially in the context of the ongoing battle against corruption. The President recognized that addressing this issue requires careful consideration of both salaries and allowances, drawing from his significant achievements in reforming the justice and administration sectors during his tenure as the governor of Lagos State. “We cannot truly combat corruption within the Judiciary without addressing the revision of remuneration. We will assess the costs and consequences of this endeavour,” President Tinubu responded to a request made by the NBA president. Furthermore, President Tinubu acknowledged the necessity of resolving existing vacancies within the Supreme Court. He stressed that these obligations must be met in accordance with recommendations from the National Judicial Council, stating, “Once the majority of them return from their current vacation, we will thoroughly evaluate their recommendations and proceed to fill the vacancies. This is an essential obligation we intend to fulfill.” The President expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by the NBA to inaugurate the association’s 63rd Annual General Conference (AGC), scheduled to take place in Abuja from August 25 to September 1. He expressed satisfaction in having legal experts as close advisors, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, State Chief of Protocol Victor Adeleke, and his Principal Private Secretary, Prince Damilotun Aderemi. In his remarks, the NBA president lauded President Tinubu for appointing esteemed members of the bar to his cabinet, specifically highlighting Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. The upcoming annual NBA conference, themed “Getting It Right, Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building,” will convene legal professionals, experts, and stakeholders to engage in discussions concerning critical issues pertaining to Nigeria’s national development.

Nigeria’s unemployment rate drops 4.1% -NBS

Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent in the first quarter of 2023 from 5.3 percent in the fourth of 2022. Mr Adeniran Adeyemi, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said this during the inauguration of the New Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) in Abuja. Adeniran said that the drop in NLFS from 33.3 percent in the Fourth quarter 2020 to its present rate was based on change in methodology adopted and not government performance. The new NLFS unveils a set of labour force indicators designed to provide unparalleled insights into the dynamics of the workforce in Nigeria. The NLFS was conducted by the NBS in collaboration with the World Bank (WB) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in response to the labour market dynamics Adeniran said “let me at this point clearly state that this methodology review has nothing to do with whitewashing the image of any government or political party. “This process is routine for any responsible statistical office, and we have no reason to continue to ignore the adoption of new methods, when the evidence clearly indicates the need for it. “As a national statistical office, our responsibility is to provide government and all users with accurate data for evidence-based decision making, adhering to the highest possible standards, and our commitment in this regard is unwavering.” According to Adeniran, the new method which indicates that not less than 73 per cent of Nigerians are engaged in one form of work, recognises all forms of engagements from which individuals earn income. He said using the new ILO definition, the survey showed that the unemployment rate for the fourth quarter of 2022 stood at 5.3 per cent and 4.1 per cent for the first quarter of 2023. “This figure aligns perfectly with neighbouring countries around Nigeria. Ghana (3.9per cent), Niger (0.5 per cent), Chad (1.4per cent), Cameroon (4.0per cent), Togo (4.1per cent), Benin Republic (1.7per cent) amongst others. “In responding to the shifting global landscape and the ever-changing data ecosystem, it is imperative for us to continuously adapt the way in which we collect and analyse data. “This is to ensure that we are producing data that reflects reality and the experiences of Nigerians. “These changes also include a revision to the design and methodology applied in the conduct of the actual survey. “Which is the survey that produces commonly known headline Unemployment and Underemployment rates, as well as other labour market indicators that guide policymakers, researchers, and other users,” he said. According to him, the results indicate a scarcity of Wage-employment, as the share of those employed in Wage-employment during the reference quarters was 13.4 per cent in Q4 2022 and 11.8 per cent in Q1 2023. Adeniran said that the working age population which was defined previously as persons aged 15-64, is now defined as persons aged 15 and above. He said this was a very important change particularly in the Nigerian context as it recognises the labour contributions of persons above the age of 64 which was not done previously. The NBS boss said the unemployed appeared to be the most controversial amongst the changes announced under the review. According to him, the new standard defines the unemployed as persons within the Labour force, who within the reference period did not work for pay or profit for a minimum of 1 hour. “In the real sense, nobody works 1 hour a week and then sits down and does nothing else when there are opportunities for more hours of work. “The statistics show that only 7.1 per cent of those working, work between 1 – 19 hours per week. So, 1 hour is just a benchmark and nothing more than that,” he said. The survey revealed that about three quarters of Nigerians in the working age population, 73.6 per cent in Q4 2022 and 76.7 per cent in Q1 2023 were engaged in some form of work for pay or profit in the quarters under review. Earlier, the World Bank’s Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri pledged the continued support of the bank to ensure a robust, regular national LFS data for the country. Chaudhuri said a reliable data provided the government with knowledge about the nation’s welfare and ensured the right intervention and programs needed to address it’s challenges. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said data was key to national planning and development. According to Bagudu, President Bola Tinubu believes in reliable data for planning and will support anything that will lead to production of appropriate data. “To create jobs for youths, we need this kind of data, a lot needs to be done to address the high rate of unemployment in the country. The President is desirous of reducing unemployment. “Nigeria is one of the countries with absorptive capacity, so what we need is to provide better environment and more incentives,” he said. While commending efforts of NBS and its partners in revising the methodology, Bagudu said the ministry would from 2024 use of the revised data more practically. Meanwhile, the Acting CBN Governor, Mohammed Tumala said labour statistics was one of the most important inputs to economic policy and business decisions. Tumula said labour was the most important of the factors of production and determined both the quantity and quality of utility of other factors. While commending efforts of the NBS, he stressed the need for synergy with communication experts to ensure proper linkage and dissemination of data to the public. Similarly, Prof. Mike Obadan, Non-Executive Director and member MPC, CBN also reiterated the need for NBS to ensure robust strategy for communicating its survey findings to the public in simple language. Abuja-Kaduna Road project to be completed by Q1 2024, says Umahi The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi,has again given the assurance that the reconstruction work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway will be completed by the first quarter of 2024. Umahi made this known while inspecting the project on Thursday to assess the progress made so far by

What Nigerians expect from Tinubu’s new cabinet

In a momentous ceremony that marked a significant transition for Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated a new cohort of ministers to consolidate his presidency. With the swearing-in of these individuals into their respective offices, Nigerians are now looking ahead with a mixture of hope and anticipation, more so that, this time, like his predecessor, he did not wait for almost a year to form his cabinet. No doubt, the responsibilities bestowed upon these new ministers are immense, and the citizens’ expectations on them are equally high. Even though Tinubu had inherited a myriad of challenges, ranging from a lame economy to security concerns, Nigerians are fervently hoping that this new cabinet will rise to the occasion and lead the country towards a brighter future. One of the most pressing issues on the minds of Nigerians is the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the global economy with Nigeria getting its fair share and this has exacerbated existing challenges such as high unemployment rates and inflation. As the new ministers assume their roles, citizens are yearning for innovative economic policies that will stimulate growth and provide much-needed jobs. They expect these ministers to engage in strategic partnerships, attract foreign investments, and diversify the economy beyond oil dependency. A clear roadmap for infrastructural development, with a focus on power generation, transportation, and technological advancement, is eagerly awaited. Nigerians are hopeful that the new cabinet will foster an environment that supports small and medium-sized businesses, driving entrepreneurship and creating a sustainable economic ecosystem. Another paramount concern is security. In recent years, Nigeria has faced an upsurge in security challenges, from insurgency and banditry to kidnapping and communal conflicts. The citizens’ security and safety are non-negotiable, and they look to the new ministers to demonstrate unwavering commitment to restoring stability. Nigerians anticipate comprehensive reforms within the security sector, including equipping and adequately training law enforcement agencies, intelligence sharing, and collaboration with international partners to tackle transnational crimes. A holistic approach that addresses the root causes of these security issues, such as poverty and lack of education, is eagerly awaited. The state of healthcare in Nigeria has also been a cause for concern. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of the healthcare system, shedding light on the inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality medical care, and the brain drain of healthcare professionals. The citizens expect the newly inaugurated Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to prioritize healthcare reform, ensuring that adequate funding is allocated to build and upgrade healthcare facilities, procure essential medical equipment, and provide training and incentives to healthcare workers. A robust healthcare system not only safeguards the population’s health but also bolsters the nation’s overall productivity and development. Education is another arena where Nigerians are looking for transformative changes. Despite being blessed with a young and vibrant population, the education sector has suffered from inadequate funding, outdated curriculum, and a lack of access to quality education in many regions. The new ministers are being entrusted with the responsibility of revamping the education system, from primary to tertiary levels. Citizens hope for the implementation of policies that prioritize teacher training, curriculum modernization, and the integration of technology in education. Additionally, special attention needs to be given to regions where educational disparities are most pronounced, ensuring that every Nigerian child has equal access to quality education. Corruption remains a significant impediment to Nigeria’s progress. Nigerians are looking to the new cabinet to not only maintain the anti-corruption drive but to intensify efforts in ensuring transparency and accountability in public office. Effective utilization of resources, strict adherence to due process, and the swift prosecution of corrupt individuals are the expectations of the citizens. Furthermore, they anticipate the implementation of policies that promote ethical governance and discourage corrupt practices at all levels of government. Infrastructural development, particularly in the areas of power generation, transportation, and information technology, is crucial for Nigeria’s growth. Citizens eagerly await the unveiling of comprehensive plans that will address the longstanding issues of inadequate power supply, inadequate road networks, and poor internet connectivity. These are fundamental elements that underpin economic development and enhance the quality of life for the population. In the realm of foreign policy, Nigerians hope for a government that will foster strong diplomatic relationships with other nations while advancing the country’s interests on the global stage. Economic partnerships, trade agreements, and international collaborations are seen as critical for Nigeria’s growth and development. The citizens look to the new ministers to represent the nation effectively in international forums and negotiations, projecting a positive image of Nigeria to the world. In conclusion, as President Bola Tinubu’s new ministers assume their respective offices, they should understand that they’re stepping into roles of immense responsibility and great expectation. Nigerians envision a future marked by economic prosperity, enhanced security, improved healthcare and education systems, eradication of corruption, and infrastructural development. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the citizens’ hope and optimism are unwavering. It is incumbent upon Tinubu and his cabinet to translate these hopes into concrete actions, demonstrating their commitment to serving the best interests of Nigeria and its people. As the nation watches, their decisions and actions will determine the course of Nigeria’s journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Nigeria’s local equities gain N262bn 

The local equity market on Monday opened the week on a positive note, gaining N262 billion following profits recorded by BUAFoods, Dangote Sugar, Livestock Feeds, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria among others. The market capitalisation of listed equities appreciated by 0.74 per cent to N35.684 trillion from N35.422 trillion reported the previous day. The NGX All Share Index (ASI) also appreciated by 481.32 basis points to 65202.41 points from 64721.09 points traded on Friday. An analysis of the investment showed that JohnHolt led gainers table with 9.66 per cent to close at N1.59 per unit, SCOA Plc followed with a gain of 9.40 per cent to close at N1.28 per unit BUAFoods added 9.29 per cent to close at N152.90 per share, Mansard added 6.85 per cent to close at N3.90 per unit, Livestock gained 6.82 per cent to close at N1.88 per share. On the contrary, Tantalizer recorded the highest loss in per cent age terms, shedding 10 per cent to close at N0.36 per share, Omatek trailed with a loss of 9.09 per cent to close at N0.30 per unit, Jaiz Bank fell by 7.78 per cent to close at N1.54 per unit, Chi Plc failed by 7.61 per cent to close at N0.85 per share, Cornerstone Insurance dipped by 6.15 per cent to close at N1.22 per unit. The volume of trades declined by 305.985 million, representing 56.91 per cent as investors traded 231.599 million shares valued at N3.992 billion in 5494 deals against 537.584 million shares worth N9.394 billion exchanged hands the previous day in 5893 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorps) led market activities during the day with 36.837 million shares valued at N159.312 million, Universal insurance followed with account of 16.989 million shares cost N3.611 million, GTCO Plc traded 15.442 million shares worth N563.447 million, Jaiz Bank traded 14.464 million shares cost N22.895 million, Chi Plc exchanged 12.754 million shares valued at N10.690 million.

Lokpobri vows to ensure Nigeria meets OPEC’s production quota

The new Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobri, has said his mission to the ministry is to ensure Nigeria’s crude oil is ramped up on a sustainable basis.  Lokpobri, who said this when he met chief executives of the ministry on Monday in Abuja after his swearing-in at the Presidential Villa, added that he was not in the ministry to sit in the office but rather to ensure that Nigeria meets its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.  According to him, everybody has to work together to increase production.  “This is not time for speeches. There is only one agenda that I have come to this ministry to achieve and that is to ramp up crude oil production on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Lokpobiri said. Lokpobri, who will be in charge of ensuring the country’s crude oil production meets OPEC’s quota, stressed that he is a creek boy and would ensure through constant visit to the creeks that he provides the leadership that would ramp up crude production.  According to him, with everybody working together, “we will write a new story for the oil industry,” he added.  Earlier, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpo Ekpo, said that the full utilization of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by Nigerians would help cushion the adverse effect of petrol subsidy removal by the government.  Ekpo insisted that with its abundance of gas deposits, it was time the country maximises its use in order to provide a better life for the citizenry.  He said he would with collaboration with stakeholders work strategically to translate Nigeria’s enormous gas resources into reality to address the challenge of power.  In his introductory remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Gabriel Aduda said the breakdown of the minister is part of the requirement of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.  “This shift has ushered in a new era of transparency and independence,” he said. He noted that with the present challenge of ramping up production, the new leadership the two ministers will bring to the sector will help the country navigate the challenge.

ECOWAS rejects Niger Junta’s 3-year transition plan

The transition plan presented by the Niger junta for a three-year period to presumably establish a democratic government has been unequivocally dismissed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of the Niger junta, had said in a televised broadcast on Saturday night that the army will hand over power to the civilian government within the next three years. According to him, his ambition is not to confiscate power but help the country out of its current conundrum. “Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” General Abdourahamane Tiani emphasized in a televised address. He further stated, “Any transition of power would not go beyond three years.” However, in a contrary view, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, who made an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, voiced the West African bloc’s strong objection to the proposal. “This offer is completely unacceptable, and ECOWAS insists on the restoration of constitutional order as quickly as possible,” Amb. Musah stated firmly, emphasizing that the commission had prior experience dealing with similar maneuvers by military regimes. He referred to the situation in Niger, highlighting the creation of the “new” constitution in 2010, which was subsequently revised in 2017. Musah posed a pointed question, “What dramatic change do you need in the governance architecture of the country to require three years to experiment with something else? Expressing skepticism about the junta’s intentions, Musah remarked, “This is like subterfuge to throw ECOWAS off-course and then do whatever they want.” Drawing comparisons, he pointed out that some other West African countries under military rule had been given about three years, yet they were now “negotiating” with their populations for an additional 18 months. Putting the timeframe into perspective, he highlighted the fact that even a democratically elected president in Nigeria only has four years in office. Musah concluded by questioning the legitimacy of the junta’s decision to start with a three-year period and implying that it could extend beyond that. ECOWAS’ response underscores its unwavering commitment to democratic governance and stability in the region, raising concerns about the motives behind the proposed three-year transition plan.

Niger Coup: Tchiani asserts defensive stance against ECOWAS

In the wake of the recent coup in Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the mutineers who assumed control, emphasized his nation’s reluctance for conflict but readiness to safeguard itself when necessary. Tchiani conveyed that both the military and the populace of Niger are averse to the prospects of war, yet they remain steadfast in their determination to counter any signs of aggression, as reported by Al Jazeera. The head of the junta underscored the unawareness of member states within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding Niger’s pivotal role in preventing regional destabilization amidst a surge in terrorist activities. He expressed skepticism towards the imposed sanctions on his country, suggesting that they aimed to exert pressure on the rebels rather than resolve the ongoing crisis. Tchiani further clarified that the insurgents’ objective isn’t to seize power but to facilitate a solution that aligns with the best interests of the populace. The coup leader disclosed that an ECOWAS delegation visited Niger’s capital and held discussions both with the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed and detained by his own guard led by Tchiani, and with Tchiani himself. Since the coup’s occurrence on July 26, ECOWAS has responded by suspending financial aid to Niger, freezing rebel-held assets, and imposing travel restrictions on flights to and from the nation. A subsequent summit in Nigeria’s Abuja resulted in ECOWAS leaders agreeing to ready a standby force to potentially compel the Nigerien military to reinstate Bazoum. On a recent note, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Abdel-Fatau Musah, indicated that the general staff chiefs within ECOWAS have set a date for an undisclosed military intervention. This decision comes as tensions and uncertainties persist within Niger’s political landscape. General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s statements echo a stance against war while highlighting the nation’s resolve to defend itself against aggression, as Niger navigates through these challenging times of political transition and unrest.

Local refiners got 3.6m barrels of crude in 2 years – NUPRC  

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said it delivered 3,614,936 barrels of crude to three local refineries between September 2021 and May 2023. According to the regulator in a statement Thursday in Abuja, only local refiners that complied with relevant requirements of Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 are entitled to crude supply. NUPRC said the clarification became necessary due to insinuations from some operators that it had failed to supply them with crude oil. The Commission said, between January 2019 and August 2021 the period before the PIA came into effect, 1,726,049 barrels of oil were supplied to two refineries that met the requirements of the law at the time. The two refineries are operated by Walter Smith and NDPR. The post-PIA supplies were made to Walter Smith, NDPR, and OPAC refineries. It stated that the Commission recently granted approval for Millennium Oil and Gas Limited to supply by trucking 60,000 barrels of crude oil at the rate of 20,000 barrels per month for three months to OPAC and Duport refineries in Edo State. In addition, alternate evacuation routes such as trucking of crude oil to refineries have been approved to forestall potential downtime during refinery operations which might arise due to non-availability or vandalism of pipelines. It was emphatic that the Commission remains steadfast in delivering on the mandate stipulated by the PIA and will not relent in ensuring that a conducive and suitable supply of feedstock to all licensed refineries operating within the country is sustained. It further stated that any refinery operator or group of refinery operators in Nigeria not receiving or claiming not to be receiving feedstock from appropriate agencies are yet to satisfy the mandatory requirements as stipulated by law. It pointed to the fact that the Commission has provided regulatory support for qualified refineries by ensuring adequate crude oil supply. It restated its commitment to transparency and determination to work within the provisions of the PIA; which is why data concerning its operations with industry operators are always made available for public scrutiny. “The NUPRC wishes to state the facts to provide insight and clarity to the general public as follows: Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 mandates that the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) be placed on all holders of Petroleum Mining Leases and Oil Mining Leases in Nigeria in a bid to ensure crude oil supply to local refineries. Under Section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, the Commission gazetted the Production Curtailment and Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Regulations which provides clarity on the obligations of the stakeholders of the domestic crude oil supply value chain. “The PIA prescribes its implementation mechanism requiring the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) to furnish the Commission with domestic crude requirements of licensed operating refineries on an annual basis which would form the basis for the Commission to issue the crude supply obligation on the producing companies in the upstream sector. It also mandates the requirement for the transaction to be on an arm-length commercial basis between the producer/supplier and the refiner. “The Commission has provided an enabling framework for the supply of crude oil to be negotiated between the lessee and the oil refining licensee, having regard to the prevailing international market price for similar grades of crude oil as stipulated in section 4 (7) (b) of the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) regulations in either the Nigerian Naira or the United States Dollar or a combination for flexibility to be agreed by the parties. “Consequently, the Commission placed priority on developing this regulation for the operationalization of the mandate and developed the regulation to ensure the availability of a regulatory framework for DCSO.

Nigeria needs political will to benefit from oil resources – Expert

An international oil and gas expert, Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar  Adamu, has urged the federal government to appoint technocrats familiar with the working of the oil and gas industry as minister. In a chat with journalists in Abuja, Adamu said appointing the right caliber of people into strategic positions in the sector would help formulate the right policies and ensure the sector is stirred in the right direction to achieve its full potential. According to him, Nigeria has the capacity and expertise to transform the oil and gas sector. Adamu, who played a leading role in the success recorded by Qatar in the development of its oil industry, stressed that with the right political will, Nigeria can turn the challenge of gas flaring into an advantage. Data from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) revealed that between January and November 2022, Nigeria flared an estimated 5.6 billion standard cubic metres of gas valued at $685m. Nigeria’s natural gas is low in Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbon Dioxide impurities, gas flaring is still estimated at nearly $2m/day. According to data, Nigeria generated 22 million tonnes of LNG yearly as of 2020.  The oil and gas expert emphasized the need for the authorities to stop wasting its huge gas resources by converting it into a source of energy to address the perennial power supply challenge. He further stated that Nigeria has huge natural gas potential and is in fact often referred to in geological terms as a gas country with few oil deposits. He said, “Even with the horrors of gas flaring and the few LNG and NGL projects so far developed, Nigeria is yet to tap into two percent (2%) of its proven 192 TCF of natural gas. With global demand currently at 120 TCF and growing, Nigeria could deftly play the go-bridge in this huge demand pool with significant benefits for the nation. All that is needed is the political will and expert deployment of management skills to turn this energy of the future to Nigeria’s fattest revenue cash cow and solid foundation for industrialization.” Adamu, who is a member of the Multi-Billion Dollars RasGas and Qatar natural Gas team, who led the Committee that structured and developed the Qatar  Condensate Refinery, also said, it is time for the country to harness its huge oil and gas deposits for the benefit of the citizenry. The Taraba State born Harvard -trained oil and gas guru, whose sojourn in the industry spans over two decades, began his blossoming career with Mobil Corporation, Virginia, in the United States of America (USA), after his graduating top of his class from the prestigious Harvard University in 1992 with a Masters Degree in Law, has also worked for the multi-national oil and gas firm in several countries including the United Arab Emirate (UAE). He explained that Nigeria needs to urgently utilize her huge gas deposits by initiating policies and innovations that would monetize its enormous unassociated gas and to, as a matter of national urgency, permanently end gas flaming and convert these rich resources to benefit its generations yet to come. According to him, it is only by driving friendly initiatives and also appointing thorough-breed professionals with the requisite skills, exposure, and commitment that the populace will enjoy the natural resources that nature has endowed the country with. A skillful negotiator, Alhaji Adamu, has successfully brokered multi-billion dollar financing for Exxon Mobil projects in several countries across the globe. The legal luminary cum oil and gas technocrat has provided legal support for procurement from the International financing market of more than 15 Billion Dollars for Exxon Mobil projects in Nigeria. Adamu who is the Chairman Board of Directors of Oil Dyanmix Limited, and a Director of Sidler Dynamic Engineering Limited, an International Oil and Gas firm, among several other businesses, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive actions, saying that such policies would engender growth and development in the oil and gas sector of the economy. He canvassed support for the Administration and said all well-meaning citizens should support the government to deliver on its lofty campaign promises of; jobs creation, building of infrastructure, and social safety nets for the less privileged. The Taraba  State-born oil mogul who is also a philanthropist of repute, has experience in the hydrocarbon development industry, cut across Management, Legal support, Upstream and Midstream, Natural Gas monetization -domestic, International Planning, and Sales.