Valuechain Star of the Industry Award

AUGUST 2019 VOL. 2 NO. 8 coNtENtS

31 PETROLEUM MINISTRY: Tasks Before Sylva, Others

4 EDIToRIaL 20 NNPC Granted License to Operate HMO — unveils 15 winners of the 2019/2020 DSDP crude Oil lifting INDuStrY contracts 38 AUGUST SHORT TAKES 5 Nigeria’s 3-month rig count remains unchanged, as OPEc’s rises by 2 AVIAtION 48 Nigeria, others risk Economic 7 recession in 2020 ...As IEA forcasts 42 NIS to build foreigners’ database global oil supply glut ﬂ ags off Migrants E-Registration THE 2019 TONY ELUMELU initiative in Ogun FORUM 9 Eland records fi rst oil at Gbetiokun early production facility cOluMN Wabote Advocates Extension of 44 The Gift from Beyoncé to Africa 10 Nigerian content Act to critical Sectors ...As he receives Valuechain Star of the Industry Award MOTORING Excitement as Weststar unveils How HQs relocation may put IOcs, 46 Marcopolo Paradiso 1350 12 communities on war path honours luxury bus transporters 16 Proper technology Deployment will check Poor Forecast, risks in Oil PrOPErtY Industry— SEPlAt 50 5 Bedroom Design Mistakes 18 FG commits to hitch-free approval of 23 gas ﬂ are sites to bidders SPOrtS Star of the Industry FIFA’s hammer falls on Siasia umana okon umana 52 over match-fi xing allegation Managing Director, Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority ith the recent ap- this new crop of leaders es- pointment of the chew personal interest and Wformer Governor of work for the common goal Bayelsa State, Governor Timi- of the country? Only time will pre Sylva as the new minis- tell. Our cover story highlights ter of state, Federal Ministry the task before Sylva and oth- of Petroleum Resources the ers in the next four years. coast seems clear now for the The International Energy oil and gas industry to thrive Agency (IEA) has recently and yield more benefi ts for warned that potential global the country. economic recession is im- over-supply. The warning One undeniable fact re- minent in 2020 if the Oil pro- came at the moment when mains that the fi rst term of ducing countries, OPEC and oil prices seem to be in trou- President Muhammadu Bu- Non-OPEC, continue to flood ble due to supply glut set to hari witnessed some achieve- the world oil market with hit the market in the next cou- ments in the petroleum indus- ple of months if the current try but opinions have it that if supply pace is sustained. The not for the rift; that engulfed implication of this to the Nige- the former Minister of State rian economy could be cata- Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe strophic considering the fact Kachikwu, and former Group Publisher/Editor-in-Chief that Nigeria is a mono-econ- Musa Bashir Usman Managing Director of the Ni- omy that relies majorly on oil gerian National Petroleum Acting Editor to fi nance its budget. Nige- Benjamin Ike Corporation, Maikanti Baru ria needs to collaborate with coupled with the political Deputy Editor OPEC to make sure this hor- Fred Ojiegbe disharmony that character- rifi c forecast did not come to ized the relationship between Contributors reality. the Saraki led 8th National Gideon Osaka Ironhand S. chukwuemeka Your favorite Valuechain of Assembly and the Presiden- Aisha Sambo the month of August is juicy, cy; the administration would David chukwu I can assure you. Do have a have by now fi xed most of the Graphic Consultant pleasant time reading and theresa Ogbonna major issues bedeviling the in- don’t forget to send us your dustry. Business Dev. Executives comments. Adeniyi Onifade (South) The Nigerian oil and gas in- Abdulkarim Sani (North) dustry today has a new crop of Zakari Abdulkadir (S/South) leaders as; Minister of State, Circulation Manager MB. Usman alternate chairman of NNPC Danlami Nasir Isah NB. Feel free to send in your views and have your say @ board, GMD NNPC, chairmen Online Editor [email protected] Senate and House commit- Saidu Abubakar tees (upstream, downstream, Photo Editor gas) in both chambers. Will Bashir Bello Dollars

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4 Industry 08:19 Nigeria’s 3-month rig count remains unchanged, as OPEC’s rises by 2

–By Gideon Osaka

igeria’s rig count in the last the previous month. The seven re- the U.S., compared to 869 a year three months has remained maining OPEC members had their earlier. For the U. S, despite this Nunchanged at 14 for the rig count unchanged within the meaningful decline, production month of June, the same number period under review. Angola, Con- currently stands at about 12.3 mil- it recorded in May and April, while go, Equatorial Guinea had 5, 4, 1, lion barrels per day (bpd), just shy the Organisation of Petroleum Ex- respectively, while Gabon, Iran, Ku- of the all-time high reached earlier porting Countries, OPEC, appreci- wait and Libya had 6, 157, 45 and this year. Output first reached this ated by 2, having recorded 576 in 15 respectively. level in late April, after beginning June, as against 574 recorded in Other African countries had 2019 at around 11.7 million bpd. May, data from OPEC shows. their rig count unchanged, at 51, At this time last year, production World rig count appreciated which was the same number re- still hadn’t reached the 11 million by 39, in the month of June, as it corded the previous month. Latin bpd mark. Mexico had a loss of recorded 2,378, against 2,339 re- American countries had plus 6, as 2, as it witnessed 32, against 34, corded the previous month. Out they had 123 in June, as against within the period under review. The of the 14 – member OPEC, four, 117recorded the previous month. United Kingdom had its rig count Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Other Middle East countries had unchanged at 16 within the period Emirates and Venezuela had ad- unchanged rig count, which stood under review, while Norway had ditional 10. Ecuador had an im- at 69 within the period under re- 18, as against 14 recorded within pressive plus 4, as its rig count for view. The United States of America the period under review. Organi- June stood at 10, as against 6 it witnessed minus 16, as it recorded sation for Economic Co-operation experienced in May. This was fol- 970 in June, as against 986 record- and Development, OECD Americas lowed by Saudi Arabia, which had ed in May, while Canada showed a recorded an appreciable plus 25, plus three, having recorded 114 in gain of 43, having recorded 113, having had a rig count of 1,115 in June, as against 111 recorded the as against 70, within the period June, as against 1,090 recorded in previous month. UAE had plus one, under review. It was noted that the month of May. Also, OECD Asia as its count stood at 61, as against the U.S. oil rig count has been on Pacific recorded plus 3, as it wit- 60 recorded the previous month, a fairly steady downward trajecto- nessed 32, as against 27 record- while Venezuela had plus 2 having ry in 2019, after reaching a near- ed within the period under review. recorded 24 in June as against 22 term peak in late 2018. That said, OECD Europe had plus 7 rig count, in May. Algeria led the loser’s pack, for the first several months of the having recorded 193, as against as it recorded 45 in June against year, the rig count was still up on a 186 recorded within the period un- 51 recorded the previous month. year-over-year basis. That’s clearly der review. It was followed by Iraq, which had no longer the case. As of August 77 in June, as against 75, recorded 9, there were 764 oil rigs drilling in

Industry 08:19

Nigeria, others Risk Economic Recession in 2020 ...As IEA forcasts global oil supply glut

–By Gideon Osaka

here are fears that oil est Oil Market Report. In July, again, at an even slower rate of prices seem to be in big OPEC produced 29.71 mb/d, 705,000 bpd. Ttrouble, with a supply so according to the IEA’s num- New pipelines in the Perm- glut set to hit the market in bers, OPEC+ will have to slash ian basin could unlock more 2020 and a potential econom- output by quite a bit more production growth going for- ic recession looming. One of next year in order to head ward. Discounts for Midland the few things that could up- off a supply glut. Most of the crude have vanished with the end this forecast is a signifi- global supply growth is com- recent start-up of a major new cant slowdown in non-Organi- ing from United States shale, pipeline, and the expected in- sation of Petroleum Exporting which makes the pace of shale auguration of a few more later Countries, OPEC, supply, the growth highly important to the this year will add even more International Energy Agency, forecast. Notably, however, midstream capacity. But while IEA, stated. U.S. oil production growth has the pipeline projects were IEA predicated the surplus been slowing. “So far this year, once thought to unleash the on a deterioration in demand US crude oil supply growth next wave of explosive growth at a time when supply contin- has been lacklustre. Over the in the Permian, that is no lon- ues to grow. It also predicts first five months of 2019, out- ger the case. The “imminent non-OPEC supply to expand put rose only 75 kb/d,” the IEA start-up of more than 2 mb/d by 1.9 million barrels per day said. Some of the recent low- of new pipeline capacity in the (mb/d) this year and by another-than-expected figures came Permian, and a strong uptick in er 2.2 mb/d in 2020, with de- from maintenance at offshore fracking activity in June, is ex- mand growth figures running oil fields, and temporary dis- pected to spur further growth at about half those levels. The ruptions due to a hurricane. in output and exports from market could remain roughly In the all-important Permian the Gulf Coast,” the IEA said. in balance, or even see stock basin, production gains are “However, producers are being draws in the second half of said to be still significant, but cautious, with few signs of an 2019, largely because of the have been decelerating. Year- acceleration in drilling activity.” OPEC+ cuts and the involun- on-year production gains in the The agency noted that a slow- tary outages in Iran and Ven- Permian hit a peak at 1.13 mb/d down in drilling is “taking its ezuela. “However, the market in August 2018, but the pace of toll on US service companies,” faces potential oversupply in growth slowed to 728,000 bpd including for Schlumberger early 2020 when the call on this month. The EIA’s Drilling and Halliburton, both of which OPEC crude oil tumbles to 28.4 Productivity Report forecasts “presented a weaker outlook mb/d,” the IEA wrote in its lat- more gains in September, but for exploration and produc-

The IEA prediction of a well-supplied oil market in 2020 depends on its forecast for faster non-OPEC supply growth outside North America. The IEA report expects this to rise from 0.21mb/d in 2019 to 0.85mb/d in 2020.

7 Industry 08:19

from non-OPEC countries other than the U.S. also figure to be important in the supply/ demand balances over the next year. “The IEA prediction of a well-supplied oil market in 2020 depends on its forecast for faster non-OPEC supply growth outside North America. The IEA report expects this to rise from 0.21mb/d in 2019 to 0.85mb/d in 2020,” Standard Chartered wrote in a note. “Without this acceleration of growth, the predicted market surplus for 2020 disappears.” The investment bank also said that it is “not convinced that this growth pick-up will hap- pen.” The IEA has repeatedly lowered its forecast supply growth for this selection of Jamie Webster, Senior Director, Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Energy countries. For instance, in its Impact latest Oil Market Report, the IEA cut its supply forecast by tion for the remainder of 2019 struggling more than others,” 100,000 bpd, mainly due to as independents continue Jamie Webster, Senior Director disappointing performances in to put greater emphasis on at Boston Consulting Group’s Brazil and Norway. “We think capital discipline rather than Center for Energy Impact, told actual growth is also likely to output growth,” the IEA said. S and P Global Platts. “We are undershoot the IEA’s forecast Outside of the Permian basin, starting to see stalling efficien- in 2020,” Standard Chartered U.S. shale supply is said to be cy gains in the Denver-Jules- concluded. stagnating. “It is worth men- burg and Eagle Ford basins.” tioning there are some basins Meanwhile, production gains

One of the few things that could upend this forecast is a significant slowdown in non-Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, supply, the In- ternational Energy Agency, IEA, stated. IEA predicated the surplus on a deterioration in demand at a time when supply continues to grow. It also predicts non-OPEC supply to expand by 1.9 million barrels per day (mb/d) this year and by another 2.2 mb/d in 2020, with demand growth figures running at about half those levels.

8 Industry 08:19

Eland records first oil at Gbetiokun early production facility

–By Gideon Osaka

igeria’s hope of increas- and Gbetiokun-3 wells over the allows the company to export ing its oil production has next seven days. The EPF will through an alternative export Nreceived a boost as Eland process all reservoir fluids pro- terminal should its primary ex- Oil and Gas PLC, an oil and gas duced under the initial phase port route be hindered. Speak- production and development of the Gbetiokun development. ing on the development, George company operating in West Af- The facility has a nominal ca- Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer rica with an initial focus on Ni- pacity of 22,000 bopd, which of Eland, said: “We are delighted geria, has announced that first will allow for production from to reach first oil from the Gbetio- production from the Gbetiokun the additional Gbetiokun devel- kun field. The team has worked oilfield was achieved through opment wells being drilled in hard, and I am proud we have the early production facility 2019. Evacuation of processed delivered significant production (“EPF”) at oil mining lease, OML crude will be through shuttle from a second oil field within 40. tankers from Gbetiokun to the OML 40, marking a significant Following mobilisation of the injection point on the main OML expansion and de-risking of our EPF to the Gbetiokun field and 40 export pipeline. The Gbetio- production base. Gbetiokun will completion of all pre-commis- kun facilities and process have deliver additional cash flow for sioning checks throughout July, been designed in a modular Eland and we are excited for the field was said to have come fashion, allowing for the evacu- the development of the licence on stream on 31 July 2019. In ation of increased levels of pro- going forward, with the further line with expectations, initial duction over the coming 12 to infill drilling on Gbetiokun and gross production will rise to ap- 18 months beyond 22,000 bopd, Opuama and the near-field ex- proximately 12,000 barrels of while the permanent export ploration of Amobe prospect in oil per day (“bopd”) (net: 5,400 solution is progressed. Further- 2019.” bopd) from the Gbetiokun-1 more, this evacuation process

9 Industry 08:19

Wabote Advocates Extension of Nigerian Content Act to Critical Sectors ...As he receives Valuechain Star of the Industry Award

–By Gideon Osaka

he Executive Secretary of er other sectors of the economy. its expiration. He said the sec- the Nigerian Content De- The NCDMB boss said the tors being considered included Tvelopment and Monitor- board would sustain continued Power, Construction and Infor- ing Board (NCDMB), Engr Simbi advocacy for the extension of mation Communication Tech- Kesiye Wabote has disclosed the Nigerian Content Act to oth- nology. plans to collaborate with the 9th er critical sectors, stressing that “We have continued our ad- National Assembly to continue the move was initiated by the vocacy for the extension of the the process for amendment of 8th Assembly which could not Nigerian Content Act to other the Nigerian Content Act to cov- conclude on the matter before critical sectors of the economy

10 Industry 08:19

“We strongly believe that there is no need to create multiple regulators of Local Content in Nigeria. The Board can modify its templates to suit other sectors. In our view, this is the prudent way to expand and en- trench local Content regime in Nigeria.” like Power, Construction and mittances from operating and added. Information Communication service companies. At the mo- In another development, the Technology. ment, some companies have Executive Secretary offi cially “We plan to collaborate close- owned up to their indebtedness received Valuechain Star of the ly with the 9th National Assem- and have started addressing Industry Award bestowed on bly to continue the process for their infractions. On the other him by the editorial board of the amendment which was initi- hand, a few companies have Valuechain Magazine. You may ated by the 8th Assembly. remained recalcitrant. We have recall that Engr. Simbi Wabote “We strongly believe that concluded plans to hand over was among the 12 personalities there is no need to create mul- such companies to the Eco- that were honored with Valuec- tiple regulators of Local Con- nomic and Financial Crimes hain Star of the Industry award tent in Nigeria. The Board can Commission for prosecution. during the 2nd Valuechain An- modify its template to suit other Our doors are open to compa- nual Lecture and Awards orga- sectors. In our view, this is the nies that want to come up with nized to commemorate the pub- prudent way to expand and en- structured payment plans, but lication’s One Year Anniversary trench local Content regime in we will not entertain pleas to in Abuja in July. Nigeria” he said. write off any indebtedness” he NCDMB is mandated to develop local capacity and monitor the Nigerian oil and gas industry to ensure greater participation of indigenous companies. Engr. Wabote said the Fo- rensic Audit which the agency started in November 2018 has revealed huge amounts of non-remittances from operating and service companies. According to him, Nigerian Content Act mandates that one percent of the value of contracts awarded in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry must be remitted to the NCD Fund. He stated that while some companies have owned up to their indebtedness few others have remained adamant, adding that plans have been concluded to hand over such companies to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for prosecution. “The Forensic Audit started in November 2018 and has revealed huge amounts of non-re-

11 Industry 08:19 How HQs relocation may put IOCs, communities on war path

–By Fred Ojeigbe

he controversy over to have directed then Minister of Before now many of these whether international oil State for Petroleum Resources, companies were said to have Tcompanies (IOCs) oper- Ibe Kachikwu, “to engage” the had their headquarters in the oil ating in the Niger Delta region IOCs on the way forward in the producing states of the Niger should relocate their head offic- wake of the repeated calls for Delta, but increased militancy es to the region was rekindled the relocation of their head of- forced these companies out, as recently by the deputy president fices to the states where they only skeletal administrative ac- of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, explore and exploit crude. tivities take place in the region. who at his home, Orogun, in Prof. Osinbajo, who was re- The Niger Delta people have Ughelli North Local Government sponding to the requests made long complained that while oil Area of Delta state called on oil by various interest groups in the exploration activities have pol- companies operating in the Ni- state during a townhall meet- luted their environment, the ger Delta to relocate their head- ing said the federal government IOCs were paying taxes and oth- quarters to the region. was proposing a new vision for er benefits to other states. Sen. Omo-Agege said the re- the people of oil producing com- They argued that with the rel- location of the headquarters of munities. ative peace which has now re- oil multinational companies to The directive by the Vice turned to the Niger Delta, these the Niger Delta would speed up President was sequel to calls by IOCs should not continue to op- development of the area, create stakeholders and groups in the erate outside their host commu- job opportunities for youth and Niger Delta for the IOCs such as nities. reinforce the atmosphere of Chevron and ExxonMobil to re- peace in the region. locate their head offices to the Reaping the Fruits of our Land VauleChain reports that the region. Those who have thrown debate over the need for IOCs ValueChain findings showed their weight behind the agita- to relocate their headquarters that most of the IOCs in Nige- tion for the companies’ reloca- to their host communities has ria have their headquarters in tion including immediate past been on for a while now. Lagos, South West of the coun- Minister of State for Petroleum In March 2017, Vice President try, and hundreds of kilometers Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Yemi Osinbajo during a visit to away from the oil-rich Niger Del- expressed support for the calls Akwa Ibom state, was reported ta region. on the grounds that these major

“Those who talk about insecurity in the Niger Delta forget that they are secure enough to work on oil fields in different communities. “This level of injustice is not good for any country. I hear that majority of your workers receive their salaries in Lagos and Abuja, with their taxes deducted at those locations. We want you to return to our states and en- ergize our communities with your presence.”

12 Industry 08:19

majority of your workers receive their salaries in Lagos and Abu- ja, with their taxes deducted at those locations. We want you to return to our states and ener- gize our communities with your presence. “I am interested in the revenue that will accrue to this state and the other Niger Delta States by the presence of your headquarters.” Various Niger Delta groups who have flayed the IOCs for their failure to return their operational headquarters to the region despite several directives oil companies carry out explora- states in the region who have from the Federal Government, tion and production activities in spoken on the issue were unani- said the rejection was not only those areas. mous in their demand for the oil unpatriotic, but also vexatious “I totally support that we companies to return their head and provocative as such is ca- need to look at the new model. offices to the oil rich region. pable of fanning the embers of But there is a need to provide the For instance, Bayelsa State unrest and discord in the region. requisite security environment,” governor Seriake Dickson said One of the groups, the Ijaw Kachikwu said at the Nigeria Oil anyone who is opposed to the Youth Council (IYC) in one of its and Gas Opportunity Fair 2017 relocation was clearly against ultimatums to the IOCs said that in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. the peace and stability of the the relocation has become nec- Others who have made region. essary in order to foster sustain- compelling arguments for the Rivers State Governor, Nye- able development in the oil rich headquarters of the IOCs to be som Wike, who has also asked region. moved to the oil producing com- the IOCs to relocate their head- “We want to state it categor- munities, said doing so would quarters to the Niger Delta re- ically that irrespective of some make the IOCs more responsive gion, said it was unfair that oil security challenges, this region to the problems of “pollution, en- multinationals drill oil in the Ni- is the safest in the country for vironmental hazards, degrada- ger Delta, only to pay taxes in business. There is nowhere in tion and under development” of other states. the country without pockets of the areas. Wike while speaking at the criminal activities, but unlike the They believe Nigeria can learn 60th anniversary of Shell Pe- forgone past, our [Niger Delta] from the experiences of oil com- troleum Development Compa- states are safe and very condu- panies in other climes where the ny (SPDC) in Port Harcourt, the cive for business. advantages of domiciliation of state capital last year said, “You “We therefore once again call IOCs in oil producing states are find this region comfortable to on the companies to, as matter obvious. drill oil and generate revenue of urgency, return to our area for Cases like in USA, Canada, which sustains the entire coun- the interest of all stakeholders. the Nordic countries and even try. But when it comes to the “We cannot continue to pay Saudi Arabia were cited as plac- location of your headquarters, the price of having our land suf- es where IOCs are situated near very many excuses emerge. fer from oil exploration activi- their operational bases. “Those who talk about inse- ties, while other states benefit The move would boost the curity in the Niger Delta forget from the taxes that are due to economy of the region because that they are secure enough to us,” the group said. the oil firms will pay taxes and work on oil fields in different their corporate social responsi- communities. Relocation unnecessary? bility will become more visible. “This level of injustice is not Those who kick against the Some of the governors of good for any country. I hear that agitation based their criticism

13 Industry 08:19

efits from its operations, despite the company’s head office being in Lagos. “The majority of MPN’s business activity is centered in Akwa Ibom. MPN’s operational headquarters are in QIT, Ibeno, where about 80 percent of MPN employees are based,” an Exx- onMobil representative said in the letter. “MPN also has a liaison office in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, to facilitate interactions with the state government. “Additionally, the majority of our community assistance is fo- cused on Akwa Ibom. on the fact that it is absolutely hence the location of its head “Another consideration is unnecessary. office in the Niger Delta years that MPN participates in a joint On the part of the IOCs, the is- back. venture in which the Nigerian sue of relocating their headquar- ExxonMobil in a response to National Petroleum Company ters to the Niger Delta region, a similar demand on it some 12 (NNPC) has a 60 percent inter- does not arise, as they already years ago, reportedly said that est. Hence, the majority of any have offices and operations in the relocation of its head office relocation cost would be primar- the area. to Akwa Ibom wouldn’t have “a ily borne by NNPC.” Some of the arguments the significant impact” on the state, Following the uproar that the oil firms put forward were that and also that such movement controversy over the relocation their external communications “was not practical for a number generated, the House of Repre- and business networks were of reasons” sentatives considered a motion more efficient in Lagos, the na- The company said that one on it which was eventually re- tion’s commercial nerve centre reason why they wouldn’t relo- jected. and that the sector’s regulator cate their head office was that The motion was shot down the Department of Petroleum their “primary federal govern- by those who think that it would Resources (DPR) and National ment contacts in Nigeria” were be setting a dangerous prece- Petroleum Investment Manage- based in Lagos. dent to tell IOCs and any other ment Services (NAPIMS), are in The company said that Akwa business outfits where to locate Lagos. Ibom was still getting huge ben- their head offices. Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Engr. Simbi Wabote when re- The company said that Akwa cently asked what the thinking of the Board was concerning the Ibom was still getting huge benefits calls for IOCs relocation, said from its operations, despite the com- the issue was more political. He said for instance, Shell’s pany’s head office being in Lagos. The Nigerian unit, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Ni- majority of MPN’s business activity geria (SPDC) has always had its is centered in Akwa Ibom. MPN’s headquarters in Port Harcourt because the organisation’s operational headquarters are in QIT, catchment areas are in Delta, Ibeno, where about 80 percent of Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo and Abia, MPN employees are based.

Industry 08:19

Proper Technology Deployment will Check Poor Forecast, Risks in Oil Industry— Seplat

–By Gideon Osaka

roper deployment of con- control problems; develop more ing Radar (GPR) for cost effi- temporary technologies Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) ciency. “It also applies to oil/gas Plike Artificial Intelligence techniques; and real time data transportation while connecting (AI), big data and mobile tech- through Logging While Drilling pipelines, sensors, leak detec- nology will not only drive plan- (LWD) and Measurement While tion, alarms and emergency ning and forecast in the Nige- Drilling (MWD), the Seplat Exec- shutdowns; using drone tech- rian oil industry, but will help utive Director noted, adding that nology for pipeline surveillance. in addressing risks associated in the area of exploration and “Internet of Things (IoT) is rev- with the business, Effiong Okon, appraisal, technology has made olutionising midstream pipeline Executive Operations Director, it possible to obtain big data operations through Supervisory Seplat Petroleum Development from sensors attached to equip- Control and Data Acquisition Company Plc, has said. ment used during exploration/ (SCADA) -based applications Speaking at the just conclud- appraisal activities (seismic, In the area of refining, the Se- ed 43rd Society of Petroleum wells), which will further help plat EOD noted that operators Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual in improving subsurface map- could now analyse economic International Conference and ping and new well delivery per- indicators and weather patterns Exhibition held in Lagos, Okon formance through micro-seis- for forecasting demand, pricing stated that leveraging cloud mic 3D imaging. Narrating the and resource allocation while computing and big data, for Seplat technology story, Okon optimising integrated refineries instance, promotes accurate said the company had contin- and leveraging machine learn- forecast of oil production for ued to make conscious efforts ing for predictive analysis and planning, which in turn drives to drive operations using con- self-diagnosis by refineries. operational excellence (produc- temporary technology, with the Okon added: “These technolo- tion optimisation and asset per- right investments. According gies have a huge role to play in formance). The use of predictive to him, Seplat’s investments in the future of the oil and gas in- and data-driven maintenance technology is driven by measur- dustry. The need for smart, cost for production and cost efficien- able and justifiable value accru- efficient ways to access uncon- cy, according to him, has helped able to the company. He added: ventional reservoirs is undoubt- to reduce Mean Time To Repair “With the right technology, we ed. It requires the combination (MTTR), and increase Mean can identify rock and fluid prop- of technology and thinking that Time Before Failure (MTBF) in erties through Magnetic Res- redefines how firms manage the industry. For drilling, opera- onance Imaging (MRI); locate and execute a more harmon- tors can get predictive analysis new oil fields through Wide az- ised approach to early well life. through smart drilling; guaran- imuth towed streamer (WATS) As drilling projects grow in am- tee early identification of drill- Acquisition; and analyse big bition, smarter equals faster. ing anomalies, hazards to well data through Ground Penetrat- “Blockchain revolution is start-

16 Industry 08:19

ing here and now. There is huge management, contracting and cilitator in the transformation of potential to reduce risk of fraud, regulatory compliance. This oil and gas companies, and this error and invalid transactions is critical to unlocking the effi- demands that companies make in energy trading and enable ciency potential of distributed confident, data driven decisions interoperability. To revolutio- energy generation.” According using relevant, accurate and nise joint ventures (JVs), risk to Okon, technology will be a fa- trusted information platforms.

Leveraging cloud computing and big data, for instance, promotes accurate forecast of oil production for planning, which in turn drives operational excellence (production optimisation and asset performance). The use of predictive and data-driven maintenance for production and cost efficiency, has helped to reduce Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), and increase Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) in the industry. For drilling, operators can get predictive analysis through smart drilling; guarantee early identification of drilling anomalies, hazards to well control problems; develop more Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques; and real time data through Logging While Drilling (LWD) and Mea- surement While Drilling (MWD).

17 Industry 08:19 FG Commits to Hitch-free Approval of Gas Flare Sites to Bidders

–By Gideon Osaka

he federal government call that over 850 interested par- key into as well as local con- has promised to ensure ties registered their interest in tent requirements, stakeholder Ta hitch-free approval of the NGFCP while 238 applicants management in the Niger Del- gas flare sites to bidders who submitted SOQs in response to ta, compliance with other oil emerged successful in the bid the Request for Qualifi cation and gas permits and consents stages of its market-based gas (RfQ) published by the ministry and community relations man- flare-out plan under the Nigeria of petroleum resources. “And agement learnings from IOCs Gas Flare Commercialisation then total of 238 SOQ docu- on their corporate governance Programme (NGFCP). ments were evaluated in accor- strategy, contexts, issues, chal- Mr. Andrew Ogu Ogi, Director dance with the provisions of ap- lenges, success stories and of Special Duties in the Min- plicable regulations, guidelines, lessons learnt.” Derefaka, ex- istry of Petroleum Resources standard industry best practic- plained that the seminar is ex- and Alternate Chairman of NG- es for bid evaluation, and were pected to have a good number FCP, stated that the government adjudged either a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ of industry resource persons would engage the successful status. “Following a rigorous ex- to help the qualifi ed companies bidders in a seminar to ensure a ercise conducted in line with es- get through the expectations win-win closure to the deals. He tablished protocol and using the of the programme. He said for said in a statement that the bid- Electronic Evaluation Tool (EET), instance: “For FOSTER (Facili- ders have been invited for the 205 applicants emerged suc- ty for Oil Sector Transparency seminar expected to hold later cessful while the remaining 33 and Reform in Nigeria), they in August, in Abuja, and from applicants did not meet the min- are helping the NGFCP to adopt where part of steps to the next imum requirements and thus Conflict Sensitive Business stage of the NGFCP would com- attained fail status,” said Dere- Practices (CSBP) which is nec- mence. faka. He further stated: “These essary to help gas flare compa- Speaking on the planned stages are being followed by nies improve bankability of their seminar, the Program Manager the federal government to en- projects. “So, we want to show- of NGFCP, Mr. Justice Derefaka, sure due process and effi ciency case one of the CSBP tools, one stated that it would be centred in all necessary aspect of the of which is Macro-Level Conflict on, ‘regulatory framework, in- gas commercialisation drive Risk and Impact Assessment centives, best practices and of the ministry of petroleum (M-CRIA). For us at the NGFCP understanding the Request for resources. “And, showcase FG we believe this could be used in Proposal phase’ to boost inves- incentives through the Nigerian different stages: pre-feasibility, tors’ and qualifi ed applicants’ Investment promotion commis- tendering or implementation of appetite in the NGFCP. “You’ll re- sion (NIPC) that the QA could the NGFCP programme.”

18 Marketi ng Communicati ons Public Relati ons Event Management Publicati ons 1-2 Abu-Rayyan Street, New NDC Layout, Kaduna. Tel: 08077201571. Abuja: 07089626420, Lagos: 08036840121. email: [email protected] Industry 08:19

NNPC Granted License to Operate HMO — Unveils 15 winners of the 2019/2020 DSDP Crude Oil Lifting Contracts –By Fred Ojiegbe

ealthcare management Nigerians to other jurisdictions. “We are confident that our en- in the country recently The corporation’s Group Gen- try into the market will increase Hreceived a boost when eral Manager, Group Public Af- the national coverage statistics the National Health Insurance fairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughama- by at least 1 – 2 digits. We have Scheme (NHIS) granted the Ni- du disclosed this in a statement better knowledge of the Oil and gerian National Petroleum Cor- made available to Valuechain. Gas Sector that can attract ac- poration (NNPC) the license to Receiving the certificate of tive participation within this sec- operate a Health Maintenance accreditation at the NHIS Head- tor for the scheme,” he said. Organization (HMO) that will quarters in Abuja, the Managing The NNPC HMO boss said the provide qualitative healthcare Director of the NNPC HMO, Dr. initiative to invest in this venture services to Nigerians in all walks Musa Ribadu, said NNPC, being was part of NNPC’s plans to of life. a corporation known for quality diversify its revenue base and The accreditation which performance, was ready to im- contribute to the corporation’s granted the National Oil Com- prove the scheme and offer re- bottom line. pany the authority to establish al-time value to the prospective In his remarks, the Executive and operate a functional HMO beneficiaries of its packages. Secretary, NHIS, Dr. Muhammed comes as a forerunner to the According to him, the NNPC Nasir Sambo, expressed con- enviable plan by the corpora- HMO Limited is poised to be the fidence in the capacity of the tion to activate a first rate med- most preferred HMO in Nige- NNPC to fully utilize the oppor- ical delivery system across the ria and a role model that NHIS tunity offered by the NHIS ac- country with potential to halt the would be proud of its unique creditation to operate an effi- ugly trend of medical tourism by healthcare offerings. cient HMO that will delivered the

The accreditation which granted the National Oil Company the authority to establish and operate a functional HMO comes as a forerunner to the enviable plan by the corporation to activate a first rate medical delivery system across the country with potential to halt the ugly trend of medical tourism by Nigerians to other jurisdictions.

20 Industry 08:19

Dr. Musa Ribadu, (left) Managing Director, NNPC HMO receiving Certificate of Accreditation from Dr. Muhammed Nasir Sambo, Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Abuja much desired first rate services promised to make the list pub- MODITIES to its clientele. lic as part of his commitment to 9. MRS OIL & GAS COMPANY Sambo commended the cor- ensuring transparency and ac- LT D poration for its track record over countability in the operations of 10. SAHARA ENERGY RE- the years, wishing the National the national oil company. SOURCE LTD Oil Company well in its future The list confirms that 15 win- 11. BONO ENERGY LTD./ETER- undertakings. ners had emerged after the fi- NA PLC/ARKLEEN OIL & “I am not unaware that NNPC nancial bid exercise held earlier GAS LTD./AMAZON ENER- is one of the most organized this year. GY organizations in Nigeria and In a statement made avail- 12. MATRIX ENERGY LTD./ since they are well organized we able to Valuechain by the NNPC PETRATLANTIC ENERGY have no doubt in our minds that spokesperson, Ndu Ughamadu, LTD./UTM OFFSHORE LTD./ NNPC will do whatever it takes gave the list of successful com- LEVENE ENERGY DEVELOP- to uphold the virtues and tenets panies as follows: MENT LTD of health insurance in Nigeria,’’ 1. BP OIL INTERNATIONAL 13. MERCURIA ENERGY TRAD- he said. LTD./AYM SHAFA LTD. ING SA/ BARBEDOS OIL & In another development, the 2. VITOL SA/CALSON-HYSON GAS SERVICES LTD./RAIN- Nigerian National Petroleum 3. TOTSA TOTAL OIL TRADING OIL LTD./PETROGAS ENER- Corporation (NNPC)) recently SA/TOTAL NIG. PLC GY released the list of 15 winners 4. GUNVOR INTERNATIONAL 14. ASIAN OIL & GAS PTE LTD./ of the crude oil lifting contracts B.V./AY MAIKIFI OIL & GAS EYRIE ENERGY LTD./ MAS- 2019/2020 under the Direct CO. LTD. TERS ENERGY OIL & GAS Sale of Crude Oil and Direct Pur- 5. TRAFIGURA PTE LTD./A. A. LTD/CASIVA LTD chase of Petroleum Products RANO NIG. LTD 15. DUKE OIL COMPANY IN- (DSDP) arrangement. 6. CEPSA S.A.U./OANDO PLC CORPORATED. The publication of the list win- 7. MOCOH SA/MOCOH NIG. ners is coming shortly after the LT D. The contract is for one year new Group Managing Director 8. LITASCO SA/BRITTANIA-U effective October 1, 2019, till of the corporation, Mele Kyari, NIG. LTD./FREEPOINT COM- September 30, 2020.

21 For enquiries, call: 0705 500 1000 Star of the Industry 08:19

umana okon umana Managing Director, oil & Gas Free Zones authority

23 Star of the Industry 08:19

Umana Okon Umana Managing Director Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority –By Danlami Nasir Isah

Umana was on various occasions appointed to serve in many Administrative Panels of Enquiry (eg. Member, Ad- ministrative Panel of Enquiry into management of Akwa Ibom State Property & Investment Ltd.); Inter-Minis- terial (eg. Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on Direct Labour Jobs as well as Chairman, Inter-Minis- terial Committee on Micro-Credit); Steering (eg. Chair- man, Steering Committee of Akwa Ibom State & World Bank Community-Based Urban Development Project); and sundry Committees of government (e.g. Chairman, State Programme Coordinating Committee (SPCC) of the United Nations Development Programme).

rom the onset, Umana abar Foundation Scholarship Centre for Economic Manage- Okon Umana left no one in 1980, graduating with a ment & Administration (June, Fin doubt about a future prestigious Second Class Up- 1992). that will be coloured by hard- per in B.Sc. He later bagged He started his career as work and excellence. He start- an M.B.A in Finance from the an Industrial Attache at the ed his primary education in University of Port Harcourt, Champion Breweries from Port Harcourt, but could not Rivers State. July to October, 1978, he lat- complete it due to the civ- Umana Okon Umana at- er moved to the University il war. After the war, he pro- tended various courses, home of Calabar in 1979 as a Re- ceeded to Edgerly Memorial and abroad. Among them search Assistant. He joined School in Calabar, to round up were: Senior Executive Pro- the School of Basic Studies, his primary education in 1971. gramme at London Business Akamkpa in Cross River State During his last year (1976) School (Feb. 2009); Columbia as Lecturer III in August, 1981. at St. Patrick’s College, Cala- Senior Executive Program at He later rose to Lecturer I in bar, he not only scored Grade Columbia Business School, 1987. Umana was employed One in the West African Columbia University Graduate by Akwa Ibom State civil ser- School Certifi cate examina- School of Business, New York vice as Principal Budget Of- tions, but he also claimed the (May 2002); Modernising Gov- fi cer in October, 1989. His school’s Best Graduating Stu- ernment at RIPA International, sincerity and hardwork were dent Award for that year. London (Nov. 2001), Bud- among the rare attributes that No one was surprised when geting for Effi cient Econom- saw him clinch the Akwa Ibom he won the University of Cal- ic Management at National State Public Service Award for

24 Star of the Industry 08:19

In a warm embrace with Bola Tinubu

Outstanding Performance in Umana was on various oc- Project); and sundry Commit- 1991. casions appointed to serve tees of government (eg. Chair- Umana was one time Akwa in many Administrative Pan- man, State Programme Coor- Ibom State Director of Bud- els of Enquiry (eg. Member, dinating Committee (SPCC) of get, Permanent Secretary in Administrative Panel of En- the United Nations Develop- charge of Budget Offi ce in Oc- quiry into management of ment Programme). tober, 2000, Honourable Com- Akwa Ibom State Property & He was one time Admin- missioner, Ministry of Finance Investment Ltd.); Inter-Min- istrative Secretary of the de- under Gov. Victor Attah (2003- isterial (eg. Chairman, In- funct Social Democratic Party 2007), Secretary to State Gov- ter-Ministerial Committee on (SDP) for Ikono Local Govern- ernment under Gov. Godswill Direct Labour Jobs as well ment Area in 1990; Supervi- Akpabio. He was the Publish- as Chairman, Inter-Ministerial sory Electoral Offi cer for Eti- er of Ibom Diary, a bi-monthly Committee on Micro-Credit); nan Local Government Area pictorial magazine that cap- Steering (eg. Chairman, Steer- during the 1996 Local Gov- tured human and physical ing Committee of Akwa Ibom ernment zero-party elections. developments by the Godswill State & World Bank Communi- He is a member of Nigeria Akpabio administration. ty-Based Urban Development Economic Society as well as

25 Star of the Industry 08:19

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. Umana Okon Umana, a proud son of Ndiya in Nsit Ubi- um Local Government Area whose hobbies include reading, chess, music and squash, is a known quantity within social circles. At different times, he served as President, Ibom Central Lions Club (1996/97); Region 12 Chair of Lions Club International (1999); a proud member of Africa’s leading socio-cultural organisations, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio; and currently, Chairman, Akwa

Ibom State Chess Associa- L-R: HE Timipre Sylva, Chairman, OGFZA, in a hand shake with the MD/CEO tion. OGFZA, Umana O. Umana Umana who holds a number of chieftaincy titles who al- ence, and they have four chil- ways seeks to align with other dren: Edikan, Kapnie, Nsikak stakeholders to make Akwa and Imitoro. Ibom better, is married to Flor-

28 29

PETROLEUM MINISTRY: Tasks Before Sylva, Others By Fred Ojiegbe

ollowing the inauguration of the ministers by Presi- Fdent Muhammadu Buhari early in August, the president on August 21 swore in the ministers and assigned portfolios to them. Just as he did in his fi rst term, President Buhari also named himself as the Minister of Petroleum resources and appointed Mr. timipre Sylva who experts said as Minister of State would do the bulk of the work at the oil ministry. the appointment of Mr. Sylva comes less

31 Cover Story 08:19 than three months since the Petroleum Minister, and he will President Buhar’s watch in- election of the leadership of bring his rich experience to clude the fact that the admin- the 9th National Assembly bear on his new and heavy re- istration was able to maintain headed by Sen. Ahmad Lawan sponsibilities. production levels well above (Yobe North) and Sen. Ovie Despite being the minister 2million barrels per day; en- Omo-Agege (Delta Central) as of state, much of the work at sured a boost in gas produc- Senate President and Deputy the oil ministry rests on Mr. tion to the extent that today, Senate President respectively. Timipre Sylva, who as the Min- NNPC is the largest supplier Following the composition ister of State will be confront- of gas to power; and saving of standing committees of the ed with how to reactivate the enormous financial resources senate and the House before Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), through Direct Sale Direct Pur- plenary was adjourned to Sep- fix Nigeria’s comatose refin- chase (DSDP) scheme adopt- tember 24, the new minister of eries and address costly fuel ed for products import. state will be assuming office subsidies, among others. Others include: ridding gov- at a time new sets of lawmak- Sylva comes into the min- ernment of huge financial ers will be taking over relevant istry at a time the oil sector commitments on cash-call by committees in the petroleum is grappling to survive from developing workable alterna- industry. Sen. James Manager crises on account of falling tive funding arrangements; was announced as chairman oil prices, compounded by do- devising sustainable team- of Senate committee on gas mestic stagnating oil produc- work between the Oil and Gas with Sen. Biobarakuma De- tion. It is an uphill task before Industry and the numerous gi-Eremienyo as vice. For the him. Apart from tackling the host communities in the Niger Upstream, Sen. Albert Bassey governance issues that have Delta to curb security chal- Akpan was named as chair- overwhelmed the petroleum lenges that had dipped crude man with Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah as sector for decades, it is the oil production some years vice. Downstream Petroleum political will to sustain some back; and instituting a regime committee has Sen. Sabo of the lofty policies initiated of transparent contracting/ Mohammed Nakudu and Sen. under the previous minister bidding processes in all major Philip Aduda as vice. Ibe Kachikwu, experts say is projects. Sylva, according to OPEC paramount. The country also witnessed Secretary General Mohammad With the assistance of his reduced cost of crude oil pro- Barkindo, is a veteran of the predecessor Dr. Kachikwu as duction per barrel from $27 to oil industry in Nigeria where minister of state some of the $22; explored opportunities he served as adviser to former achievements recorded under in frontier basins to boost Ni-

President Muhammadu Buhari, Petroleum Minister Sen. Ahmad Lawan, Senate President

32 Cover Story 08:19

Sylva comes into the ministry at a time the oil sector is grappling to survive from crises on account of falling oil prices, compounded by domestic stagnating oil production. It is an uphill task before him. Apart from tackling the governance issues that have overwhelmed the petroleum sector for decades, it is the political will to sustain some of the lofty policies initiated under the previous minister Ibe Kachikwu, experts say is paramount. geria’s reserves base and pro- minister in particular and the parts. duction; sustained petroleum leadership in general. The first part termed the Pe- products supply nationwide; troleum Industry Governance and kick-started the rehabilita- Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Bill (PIGB) scaled first reading tion of the nation’s four refin- No doubt one of the tough- in the Senate in April 2016. eries to boost capacity utiliza- est task before the new minis- However, on June 13, the Sen- tion. ter as well as the legislators is ate suspended debate on the Interestingly, with the swear- how to address the non-pas- PIGB but later passed it just ing-in of the new minister of sage of the Petroleum Indus- as its counterpart in the House state, and the inauguration of try Bill (PIB). Nigeria has since, of Representatives later also National Assembly new com- the return to democratic rule passed it. The PIGB was how- mittee chairmen on petroleum in 1999, been on a perpetual ever denied assent by Presi- and gas, coupled with the ap- voyage with the Petroleum In- dent Buhari. Time is already pointment of both new Group dustry Bill (PIB). The journey running out on the PIB as noth- Managing Director for NNPC, began 19 years came very ing has been heard about the and Alternate chairman of the close to materialising in 2015 remaining aspects or even the NNPC board, the following with the 8th Senate which un- signing into law of the PIGB. challenges lie ahead for the bundled the PIB into different According to experts in the

Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Senate President Sen. James Manager, Chairman of Senate Committee on Gas

33 Cover Story 08:19 The Man Timipre Sylva imipre Sylva was born on July 7th, 1964 in Okpoma, Brass Local Government Area of TBayelsa State, Nigeria. Sylvia started his primary education at St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Okpoma and finished at Ajeromi Central School I, Lagos in 1976. His secondary education took him to Government Secondary School, Brass from 1976 – 1981. He secured admission into the University of Port Harcourt, where he studied En- glish Language and Linguistics. For the manda- tory National Youth Service Corps Programme, he served with Shell Petroleum Development Compa- ny at Warri, Delta State. Sylvia started his career with the National Mi- nority Business Council, Port Harcourt, where as the Executive Secretary, he diligently saw to the creation of employment opportunities for his people. It was in recognition of his altruism and dedication to duty that his people elected him, to represent them at the Rivers State House of As- sembly in 1991- 1992 on the platform of the then National Republican Convention, NRC. This was however, cut short by the military intervention of the Late General Sani Abacha. Thereafter, he went into private business. When the ban on politics was lifted, he became one of the founding members of the United Nigeria Congress Party, UNCP, where he served as the State Financial Secretary. Following the extinction of the then five political parties. He together with his people embraced the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. He was political adviser to the former Governor, D.S.P. Alamieyes- eigha up till 2002, when he resigned. He was also member of the Governing Council, Federal Univer- sity of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State till 2004. He has been the Special Assistant to the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources. As a candidate of the People’s Democratic Par- ty Sylva won the Bayelsan gubernatorial election on May 29th, 2007 and succeeded Goodluck Jon- athan who went on to the position of Vice Pres- ident. On January 27th, 2012, his tenure was terminated by the Supreme Court with an acting governor appointed to oversee the state until the election of February 2012. He attempted to return in January 2016 under the All Progressive Con- gress (APC), but lost to the incumbent Governor, Serike Dickson, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

34 According to the NNPC, Ni- geria is the only member country in the OPEC that imports petrol and is currently the largest importer of PMS in the world. industry, the country loses in- istration to the people of the vestments worth $15bn yearly region. The new minister must due to the delay in the passage work hard to sustain the gains of the PIB. For years, the fed- and fulfil government’s part of eral government has not been the bargain. able to significantly boost crude oil production even as Curtail Fuel Importation, Sub- it targets 3 million barrels per sidy day by 2020. The abysmal state of the Mr. Sylva’s first major task in country’s refineries was a ma- the ministry, therefore, should jor concern for President Bu- be how to grind the PIB to be hari when he took office. passed so as to sustain a vi- The consequence of the brant Nigerian oil and gas in- refineries’ poor performance dustry. meant that the country continued to import most of its re- Niger Delta Peace fined petroleum products with The Niger delta region the attendant effect on prices which contributes more than at the pumps and the huge un- 80% of Nigeria’s oil resources der-recovery or subsidy record- continued to witness years ed by the NNPC on petrol. of economic marginalization, The Buhari government has environmental degradation by promised that apart from fix- the government and oil coming and getting the refineries panies leading to emergence to work up to 90 percent of of militancy in the region. their installed capacity, Nige- Beginning from 2016 under ria would lower and eventually the first term of President Bu- exit fuel importation by 2020 hari the oil-rich Niger Delta was and by extension quit the cost- rocked by intermittent attacks ly subsidy regime. by several militant groups Despite several interven- whose actions cut Nigeria’s tions to revamp the existing output to the lowest in almost plants and incentivize modular 30 years. Nigeria lost more and Greenfield (brand new) re- than N1.1trillion crude oil rev- fineries, the three refineries in enue to the attacks that lasted Port Harcourt, Warri and Kadu- for more than one year. Ten- na are still not in good shape sions have since been calmed as promised. by the government through ne- In fact, the volume of fuel gotiations and promise of de- importation under the cur- velopment of the region while rent administration has taken oil production has attained its an alarming dimension. The normal levels. A lot of promis- amount spent by the Federal es were made by the admin- Government on the importa-

35 Cover Story 08:19 tion of petrol soared by nearly funding to fix the plants. sumed and progressed be- 50 per cent to N2.95 trillion, The new minister can help fore it was interrupted at the NBS data showed. the president take a stand over Chad Basin by insurgency in The country spent N1.97tr whether to sell or retain the re- the northeast. Drilling activity on PMS imports in 2017, fineries. which commenced at the Gon- N1.63tr in 2016 and N1.14tr in Analysts say it may not be gola Basin in Bauchi has pro- 2015. Petrol imports account- economically expedient to gressed tremendously. ed for 22.4 percent of the na- continue such endless main- The quality of leadership tion’s total imports in 2018, up tenance at huge costs with the that will be provided to drive from 20.6 percent in 2017, 18.4 plants, adding little value at the the process will determine the percent in 2016 and 17 percent end. Hence, privatizing the re- continuity or otherwise of the in 2015. fineries or getting the private exploratory activities at these According to the NNPC, Ni- sector run some aspects of the locations. geria is the only member coun- refineries could be a solution. try in the OPEC that imports ...Silva Pledges to Reposition petrol and is currently the Sustain Oil Search Petroleum Sector largest importer of PMS in the The turn of the decade has Nevertheless, the newly ap- world. seen renewed interest in oil pointed Minister of State for How and what to do in or- exploration by government Petroleum Resources, Chief der to reverse these troubling through NNPC in a bid to in- Timipre Sylva, has assumed statistics should be a major crease the country’s oil and duties with a pledge to repo- concern for the new minister, gas reserves, add value to the sition and chart a way forward NNPC and the lawmakers in hydrocarbon potentials of the for the Nigerian petroleum general. inland basin, provide invest- sector. The refineries managed by ment opportunities, boost the A press release August 21 by the Nigerian National Petro- economy as well as create mil- the NNPC Group General Man- leum Corporation (NNPC) have lions of new jobs. ager, Group Public Affairs Divi- remained one of Nigeria’s big- The President Muhammadu sion, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, said gest problems that have defied Buhari led administration has Chief Sylva pledged to work every form of solution. been the most dogged about with the experts at the Nigeri- However, there are on-going it so far. In 2016, seismic data an National Petroleum Corpo- efforts by the current admin- acquisition activities at Chad ration (NNPC) and the other istration to obtain third party Basin and Benue Trough, re- departments and agencies

Sen. Albert Bassey Akpan, Chairman Upstream Sen. Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, Chairman Downstream

36 Cover Story 08:19

The Niger delta region which contributes more than 80% of Nigeria’s oil resources continued to witness years of economic marginalization, environmental degradation by the government and oil companies leading to emergence of militancy in the region. under the Ministry to move the of cognate experience in the in the onerous task of trans- sector forward. petroleum sector. forming the Nigerian oil and In a welcome ceremony for The new Minister of State gas sector for the good of all Chief Sylva at the NNPC Tow- contributed profoundly to the stakeholders. ers in Abuja, the new Minister institution of the Amnesty pro- On hand to welcome the of State for Petroleum Re- gramme in the Niger Delta re- Minister at the brief ceremony sources who was accompa- gion which, over time, has led were the Group Managing di- nied by his wife, Alanyingi Syl- to restoration of peace in the rector of NNPC, Mallam Mele va, stated that with the calibre oil producing areas of Nigeria. Kyari; Executive Secretary of of workforce in the Ministry, he Earlier, the Permanent Sec- the Petroleum Training Devel- was sure that the nation’s oil retary of the Ministry of Petro- opment Fund (PTDF), Dr. Bello and gas sector would move to leum Resources, Dr. Folashade Aliyu Gusau; and the Executive the next level. Yemi-Esan, reassured Chief Secretary of the Petroleum Chief Sylva, who is a former Sylva of the readiness of all Equalisation Fund (PEF), Al- Governor of Bayelsa State members of staff in the Minis- haji Ahmed Bobboi, amongst brings on the job several years try to support him to succeed others.

37 Industry 08:19

AUGUST SHORT TAKES –Compiled By Saidu Abubakar

NNPC Woos Refinery Investors The Group Managing Direc- tor of the Nigerian National Pe- troleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has assured that Federal Government would provide enabling environment for private investors of refineries to thrive in the country.

Nigeria Looks to Extend Relations With Turkey Beyond Crude Oil Nigeria’s national oil company has expressed its desire to extend trade relations with Tur- key beyond crude oil. Mele Kyari, the NNPC’s Group Managing Director, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, GMD NNPC the ambassador of the Repub- lic of Turkey to Nigeria, Melih Group Urges Kyari to Carry Rehabilitation in PH Refinery Uluren, at the NNPC Towers. out Transparent TAM on Still Ongoing -NNPC

Refineries The Nigerian National Petro- An oil monitoring body, South- leum Corporation (NNPC) has Another Oil Location South Reawakening Group said that the rehabilitation of Discovered In Akwa Ibom (SSRG) has advised the Group the two Port Harcourt Refiner- The Ebok field, which was Managing Director of Nigerian ies were still ongoing. handed over to Oriental Energy National Petroleum Corpora- Resources Limited in 2007, has tion (NNPC), Dr. Mele Kyari to discovered a new oil location. carry out a thorough and excel- 10 Modular Refineries Set For The company disclosed this in lent turn around maintenance Production in Niger Delta a statement and described the (TAM) on the nation’s refineries The National Chairman of discovery as a major boost to to meet his desire to raise the the Host Communities of Ni- Nigeria’s oil production. daily production to three million geria Producing Oil and Gas,

barrels. Dr Mike Emuh, says about 10 modular refineries will soon be- Why We Increased Price of gin operation across the states Kerosene – NNPC DPR Seals Over 15 Petrol of the Niger Delta region. The Nigerian National Petro- Stations in Kogi leum Corporation (NNPC), has The Department of Petro- attributed the increase in the leum Resources (DPR) in Kogi Nigeria Will Comply With price of household kerosene State on August 20 sealed over OPEC, Non-OPEC Output Cut in the country to demand and 15 fuel stations. Deal, Says NNPC Boss supply pressures. *The Nigerian government says it is committed to the pro-

38 Industry 08:19 duction adjustments agreed on the absence of channel man- dy; fail to remit N78bn in 2017 under the Declaration of Coop- agement outfit for mainte- The Nigeria Extractive Indus- eration (DoC) between member nance dredging of Warri port tries Transparency Initiative, countries of the Organisation of and the shallow channel of the NEITI, has stated that the Nige- the Petroleum Exporting Coun- port caused by the pipelines rian National Petroleum Corpo- tries (OPEC) and Non-OPEC belonging to Nigerian National ration, NNPC, is claiming that it Countries. Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is owed N797 billion by Nigeria, Group Managing Director of the Corporation’s management comprising the Federal, State the Nigerian National Petro- has constituted a committee and Local Governments. leum Corporation (NNPC) and to find lasting solutions to the Nigeria’s Representatives on problem. the OPEC Economic Commis- This is even as the Nigerian Refineries: FG Begins sion Board, Mr Mele Kyari, said Ports Authority, NPA, has com- Overhaul To Meet Local this in a statement on August menced the process of estab- Demands 21 in Abuja. lishing a management outfit for The federal government on the maintenance dredging of August 22 said it has begun Warri port in line with the stan- the overhauling of its refiner- FG Will Pay ‘Failed Investors’ dards at the Lagos and Bonny ies commencing with the Port N736bn to Repossess DisCos ports. Harcourt Refinery to achieve its The Federal Government is 2023 target of ensuring that lo- considering repossession of 10 cal refineries operate optimally. electricity distribution firms as Sylva Assumes Office As one of the options to rescue the OPEC Assures Support nation’s beleaguered electricity The newly appointed Minister ExxonMobil Lauds NNPC’s industry. of State for Petroleum Resourc- Transparency, Attributes es Mr. Timipre Sylva on August Successes To Corporation 21 assumed office promising The Chairman and Manag- Why Dangote Refinery Isn’t to reposition the ministry and ing Director of ExxonMobil, Mr. Threat to Smaller Refineries support the growth of the pe- Paul McGrath has attributed Stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil troleum industry. the company’s successes in and gas sector have said the the Nigerian oil and gas sector much-awaited Dangote Refin- to the Nigerian National Petro- ery will not be a challenge to NNPC Claims Nigeria Owes It leum Corporation (NNPC). other smaller modular refiner- N797bn — NEITI ies coming on board this year. …Deducted N141bn as subsi-

China Pumps $16bn In Nigeria’s Oil Industry The Executive Vice Presi- dent of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Mr. Lu Yan Ji, said the company has invested over $16 billion in Nigeria’s oil industry and described Nigeria as one of its largest investment destina- tions.

Warri Port Channel: NNPC Sets Up C’ttee Following complaints about

Aviation 08:19

NIS to build foreigners’ database flags off Migrants E-Registration initiative in Ogun

– By Adeniyi Onifade lans have been put in be done, this is what we are wit- place by the Ogun state nessing here now. The Comp- PCommand of the Nigeri- troller General directed that all an Immigration Service (NIS) the states should sensitize ev- for the flag-off of the Migrants ery non-Nigerian in their states E registration initiative with a which we are doing. Executive sensitization campaign of Eco- Governor of Ogun State, Prince nomic Community of West Afri- Dapo Abiodun will do the maid- can States (ECOWAS) nationals en flag off. resident in the state. She went on to state that, This is just as the Federal “Registration used to be done Government has given all for- manually but the president di- eigners a grace of 6 months rected it should be done elec- to be registered under the Mi- tronically so we have called this grants E registration scheme. stakeholder forum for you to The Migrants E registration is sensitize you and let you inform a new initiative by the adminis- others. tration of President Muhamma- “Our intention for this is to du Buhari to have a database have a comprehensive data- of non-Nigerians residing in the base for every foreigner in the country. country. Ogun State Comptroller of the “They need to come forward NIS, Mrs. Doris Braimah who and register, it is free. They kick-started sensitization of the don’t need to pay anything, all initiative in Abeokuta said it is they need is just to apply, fill up aimed at gathering, collating, their forms then come to any and capturing data of non-na- Mrs. Doris Braimah of the Immigration Headquar- tionals residing in the country Ogun State Comptroller of the NIS ters. Right now we are in Ogun and keeping track of them for State and so they can come to not part of Nigeria. security purposes. Abeokuta where immigration On how the initiative was Mrs. Braimah while address- headquarters is, it is applicable birthed Mrs. Braimah said Fed- ing the ECOWAS nationals to every other state command. eral Government had decided it charged them all to come out There is nothing attached to is important for the Nigeria Im- enmasse and register so that it, the reason is to encourage migration Service to register ev- they can be fully captured in the them. Mr. President is very in- ery foreigner in the country and database terested in this and so is the the Comptroller General set up She stressed that the Mi- Comptroller General of Immi- a committee about two years grants E-registration is import- gration, Muhammad Baband- ago to come up with a mode on ant to Nigeria as a country and ede,” she surmised. the workability. the non-nationals as well as it “A committee was set up will assist the security of the about two years ago to come up country to know those who are with a format of how this was to Source: Nigerian Flight Deck

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43 Column 08:19

Step into SHUBOX where you will unbox Aisha’s journey to discovering the stories behind people in Africa and interesting places all over the world. Expect an eclectic dive into history and current events on the intriguing developments in media and entertainment. I am here to give you a piece of myself through my writing by reporting and reviewing all things educative, entertaining and engaging. The Gift from Beyoncé to Africa

– By Aisha Sambo

Plans to remake Disney’s Lion most talented artists from Africa. ic way. Let’s delve in, the first song King were confirmed in Septem- She said on the album “BIGGER”, is a mood ber 2016 following the success “I wanted to make sure we found setter which she sings and raps of the recreated hyper-realistic the best talent from Africa and not over chords and chimes. When computer animation of The Jun- just use some of the sounds and you listen to “FIND YOUR WAY gle Book. Fans waited long for the do my interpretation of it. I wanted BACK”, it’s clear she attached the film to hit the big screens, but the it to be authentic to what is beauti- relationship she had with her fa- best surprise and gift truly came ful about the music in Africa.” ther and how much he pushed from 66 times grammy award Many African producers, song her to pursue her music career. winner singer and performer, Be- writers and engineers worked The song is much lighter than the yoncé Knowles. Beyoncé is the with Beyoncé to help construct first track, with Bubele Boii and executive producer of “The Gift”, this album. She speaks on love, Magwenzi providing a beat that an album featuring some of the family and life in a grand cinemat- bounces in a way that beckons

44 Column 08:19

DON’T JELOUS ME” featured three of the biggest acts from Nigeria. The track featured Tekno, Yemi Alade & Mr. Eazi. I predict this song will lead to some of the wildest Zankus’s we’ve ever seen. Then we have the only artist, also Nigerian, who has a track with no features - The African Giant himself, Burna Boy gifted us with “JA ARA E”. drunk footwork. “DON’T JELOUS shame people chose to be inten- an accurate reflection of Nigeria’s ME” featured three of the biggest tionally obtuse and even worse, importance to the current state of acts from Nigeria. The track fea- took a moment to marginalize pop music. The album really em- tured Tekno, Yemi Alade & Mr. women. Beyoncé wanted to cele- bodies the spirit of Lion King in a Eazi. I predict this song will lead brate African women and yes spe- way that feels authentic despite it to some of the wildest Zankus’s cifically for darker skinned Black being another cash cow for Dis- we’ve ever seen. Then we have women but all women should be ney. The album celebrates cultur- the only artist, also Nigerian, who to able to appreciate and love the al appreciation. Many question has a track with no features - The song. why the voices of East Africa did African Giant himself, Burna Boy Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi not translate across the album gifted us with “JA ARA E”. sounded great play off of each like West and South Africans, and “MOOD 4 EVA” starts with what other on ‘KEYS TO THE KINGDOM’ their omission is a mark against sounds like Zulu chants, an up- a sunny, heartfelt song about be- the album that was packaged as beat tune featuring Childish Gam- lieving in yourself. a gift for Africa. Nevertheless I ap- bino and her husband, Jay-Z. The These are just a few of the preciate Beyoncé’s interpretation lyrics to this song referenced a lot songs on the album and it was of African music fused with pop. of African leaders and historical context, the instrumentals at the end blended so well and Beyon- cé really nailed afro-pop on this one. Cameroonian artist Salatiel makes a brief but bright appear- ance on ‘WATER’ leaving us crav- ing even more of his unique and sexy voice. Then we have by far my favourite track and the most controversial song on the album “BROWN SKIN GIRL”. The song features Blue Ivy, Beyoncé’s daughter and Naija’s very own Starboy, Wizkid. The song controversy started when intense debates online flared up about whether being a brown skin girl applied to all Black women, regardless of complexion. With lyrics like, “Melanin too dark to throw her shade” and call- ing out women like supermod- el Naomi Campbell and actress Lupita Nyong’o, we can see why the presumption is that the song refers to darker skinned women. I believe it’s a song for the Black community at large and its a

45 Motoring 08:19 Excitement as Weststar unveils Marcopolo Paradiso 1350 honours luxury bus transporters

The new Marcopolo Paradiso bus with Mercedes-Benz Engine and Chassis

– By Ironhand Sydney Chukwuemeka

he hope of a return to the the country. move in the right direction for the days when luxury buses They assured the transporters bus operators, some of whom Tdominated long-distance that the new luxury bus, some- have already placed orders for passenger transportation, was times called coach, depending the vehicle. He was confident that rekindled recently when some of on the interior features, “has all with the new model, the bus oper- the operators converged on Lekki, the Mercedes-Benz ‘technological ators would take their businesses Lagos, to witness the presentation advantages’ for long/medium dis- to the next level, even as he laud- of a new model built by Mracopo- tance applications.” ed their unwavering trust in the lo on Mercedes-Benz O 500 RSD According to the partners, the Mercedes-Benz brand. 2436/30 chassis. It is called Mar- introduction of the bus is expect- The new generation Paradiso copolo Paradiso 1350. ed to boost the growth and expan- 1350 has been designed to pro- The authorised general distrib- sion of inter-state road travel in vide satisfactory passenger expe- utors of Mercedes-Benz in Nige- Nigeria as the industry continues rience, greater comfort, and safety ria, Weststar Associates Limited, to follow suit with technological to the driver, making it even better unveiled the new generation (G7) advancements from around the than its predecessors. It is built bus at its head office in Lekki, in world. with the Mercedes-Benz 0 500 collaboration with Auto Alterna- Weststar Managing Director, RSD bus chassis developed for tive Nigeria Limited, the official Mr. Mirko Plath, said the introduc- middle and long-distance travel. representatives of Marcopolo in tion of Paradiso 1350 marked a The new product was also de-

46 Motoring 08:19

my. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) offers greater safety, enabling the vehicle to remain stable in adverse driving conditions and critical situ- ations. In cases of sudden braking, even on smooth surfaces or rough roads, the ABS system prevents the vehicle from skidding. Providing more insight into Paradiso 1350’s chassis, Weststar manager in charge of the luxury bus section, Ifeanyi Igbokwe, rec- ommended the vehicle to luxury bus operators, pointing out that their focus should be on the advantages which it, the chassis, has bestowed on the new arrival. Weststar Reward Photo These Igbokwe listed as rug- scribed as a robust and highly du- an optional extra, while the larger gedness; which makes the bus “an rable vehicle that is built to carry access steps come with injected absolute workhorse”; versatility in 24 tonnes and has a body length profiles and indirect lighting for terms of load capacity and easy of up to 14 meters long. The ex- ease of entrance. maintenance. The Key Accounts pansive cargo space and high ton- Other features include new floor Manager also cited other benefits nage are good news to transport- coverings and a new roof design of using the bus as continuous ers, many of whose passengers with superior lighting and LED service with as little downtime are traders that board the buses details. The safety and well-being as possible, which is part of the with a lot of goods. of passengers and the driver is after-sales support Weststar and Paradiso 1350 is imbued with prioritised as the space between Auto Alternative back the bus with; external and internal changes that the latter’s cab and the formers’ wider service network; lowest cost raise the level of features, section, is partitioned with bul- of operations for better returns on comfort, safety, and efficiency let-proof glass. The driver’s cab is investment; and parts availability. in comparison to its predeces- also partitioned with a protective Some of the luxury bus trans- sors. Its improved exterior has glass door. porters present at the launch were newly designed mirrors that offer The O 500 RSD 2436 6x2 chas- Chairman of Bonny Way Motors better driver visibility, newly de- sis is mated to an OM 457 LA Limited, Chief Boniface Nwa- signed bumpers, side windows engine that comes with 6 in-line chukwu, who has already taken and a fresh visual identity in the cylinders. The power output is265 delivery of some units of the new front. kW (355 hp) at 1,750 rpm and is model; Nonso Ubajaka of Izuchuk- The rear comes with a larger operated via a 6-speed manual wu Transport; Chief Godfrey Obi of back cover that improves access gear transmission. Bus operators Gobison Motors; as well as Gener- to mechanical components and will find the Mercedes-Benz O 500 al Manager, Chimezie & Bros Lim- rear windows with a new design. chassis very economical because ited, Uche Kings Abueme. Another major feature of the the electronic motors included in An interplay of economic, af- exterior is the headlights with its engine ensure that the bus con- fordability and road infrastructural new internal design and integrat- sumes lower fuel and has a longer issues has in the past few years ed DRL (Daytime Running Lights). life. troubled the luxury bus transpor- Also included in the headlights are The chassis is equipped with tation industry, thereby paving the LED fog lights and an elongated safety features like the Top Brake way for the reign of mini buses, sidewall design giving a modern auxiliary engine brake coupled which some argue are not suitable feel and flow to the light assembly. with the conventional engine for long-distance operations, apart The interior is totally trans- brake system. This brake system from raising safety concerns. formed from the driver’s cabin provides many advantages, such This explains the deep interest with new lighting to the dash- as increased braking power, high- the new Paradiso 1350 is attract- board with soft-touch finish and er speed on slopes, greater safety, ing among luxury bus transport- more thermo-acoustic comfort. less gear shifting, lower mainte- ers. There is also an electric window nance costs, longer life of brake, next to the driver that comes as tyre components and fuel econo-

47 THE 2019 TONY ELUMELU FORUM

–By Aisha Sambo he 5th Annual Tony Elu- ing competition, several panel cymakers, and business leaders melu Foundation Entre- sessions, a market place and from Africa. Tpreneurship (TEF) Forum a presidential debate. The two- Some of the speakers includ- was held this year in Abuja, the day event themed ‘Empowering ed Tony Elumelu himself, the Nigerian capital on the 26th and African Entrepreneurs,’ hosted founder of the Tony Elumelu 27th of July. The two day event the largest engagement and Foundation; Tedros Ghebreye- featured masterclasses, a pitch- gathering of entrepreneurs, poli- sus, Director-General, World

48 Life 08:19

The gathering provided numerous networking opportunities for business owners and discussions on solutions to some of the challenges most Afri- can businesses face. Also, entrepreneurs who were beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Foundation presented a pitch of their businesses on stage during one of the panel sessions and the winner received a grand prize of a grant, courtesy of UBA.

Rwanda; Macky Sall, President Movie producer/director, Tunde of Senegal; and Ruhakana Ru- Kelani to discuss the theme gunda. ‘The Big Picture: Business of On the sidelines of the Forum, film making’ and how entrepre- United Bank for Africa (UBA) neurs from Africa can benefit hosted 100 small and medium from the enterprise. The pan- enterprises from around Africa el was moderated by REDTV’s participated in the largest en- executive producer and Group trepreneurial fair tagged #theU- director for Communications at BAmarketplace2019. UBA, Bola Atta. Then on the sec- From food vendors to beauty ond day, Africa’s star boy Wizkid and fashion vendors the UBA sat with UBA’s GMD, Kennedy market place was uniquely set Uzoka, in a fiery discussion on up at Transcorp Hilton. During ‘Stars & Suits: Afropop meets the plenary sessions and discus- High Finance’. Later on that day, sions on the small and medium Dj Cuppy, Dj Neptune and Pheelz scale enterprises (SMEs) sector, the Producer also had a panel the relevance of financing, the discussion on the theme ‘Booth entertainment and music indus- to Bank: How the beat becomes try were greatly highlighted. the profit’. UBA’s award winning online The gathering provided nu- network, REDTV also played a merous networking opportuni- Health Organisation; Akinwun- role in the success of the event. ties for business owners and dis- mi Adesina, President, African REDTV set up a runway inside cussions on solutions to some Development Bank; Ruhakana the market place. As fashion of the challenges most African Rugunda, Prime Minister of is a big culture across the con- businesses face. Also, entrepre- Uganda; Ugo Mozie, a Creative tinent gaining popularity on a neurs who were beneficiaries of Executive, Benedict Oramah, global scale, 10 African fashion the Tony Elumelu Foundation President of AFREXIMBANK. On designers walked the runway presented a pitch of their busi- the second day, the presidential during the event. On the first day nesses on stage during one of debate featured the Vice Pres- of the panel session Richard the panel sessions and the win- ident of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo, Mofe Damijo, the top Nollywood ner received a grand prize of a Elix Tshisekedi, President of the icon, sat on the movie panel ses- grant, courtesy of UBA. Democratic Republic of Con- sion with Cynthia Nassardine, go; Paul Kagame, President of Cote D’ivoire’s darling; and top

49 Property 08:19 Bedroom Design 5 Mistakes

Oversized Bed

By Danlami Nasir Isah

ecorating your bedroom to this is if you have an extreme- 2. Too Many Accessories isn’t all about buying ex- ly large bedroom that gives you A good bedroom is one that Dpensive furniture and plenty of room to play with. is a reflection of your personali- splashing them all over your bed- However, if your bedroom isn’t ty. One way to achieve this is by room. It doesn’t work that way, so large, avoid excessively large having accessories that appeal which is precisely why you might beds because they talk up quite a to you as well as souvenirs, wall find yourself making the same lot of walking space in the room. arts and books. You should, how- bedroom design mistakes that Besides that, a huge bed can ever, understand that loading homeowners frequently make. leave you with a jarring visual ef- your bedroom with books and To make it easier for you, we fect in your bedroom. every single souvenir and acces- will lay out 5 of the most com- sory you like will leave you with mon bedroom design mistakes What Should You Do? a cluttered bedroom. This is one as well as what you can do to You should opt for a bed that bedroom design mistake you correct these mistakes. is appropriate in dimension to have to avoid by all means the dimension of your bedroom. 1. Oversized Bed You don’t have to strive to cov- What Should You Do? No matter how tempted you er so much space with your bed Pick out the accessories and are to buy an oversized bed, when designing your bedroom. other items that you treasure the please don’t do it. The exception most and arrange them in your

50 Property 08:19

Red Bedroom bedroom without making glaring 4. Loud Colours having a bed flanked by two side bedroom design mistakes. Your bedroom design should tables. be neither a boring space in your 3. Pushing the Limits home nor a room that looks like What Should You Do? It’s okay to get creative with a toy store. Picking bold and loud You need to spread things out your interior design but you colours for your bedroom is a in the bedroom. This is some- should remember that there huge design mistake. This is be- thing you can be tempted to are certain limits you still need cause colours like orange, lemon overlook especially if you are the to honour. In a situation where green, red and yellow are better kind of person who likes having you opt for an integrated bed- suited for rooms in your home everything close to the bed. The room-bathroom plan, it becomes that are known for high energy easiest way to achieve balance easier to slide into making one activities. Kitchen and dining ar- with your bedroom design is to of the common bedroom design eas fall into these categories. carve out a separate function mistakes – throwing everything area. This could be a sitting area open. Leaving your windows What Should You Do? or a part of the bedroom where uncovered can leave you open; If you take a cue from colour you can read. without the kind of privacy that psychology in relation to interi- your bedroom deserves. or design, you should consider Final Thoughts on Bedroom De- blue hues. Studies have shown sign Mistakes What Should You Do? that such colours help you sleep Regardless of the design, you You can transform your bed- better and make your bedroom settle for, your bedroom should room into a public spa by inte- more soothing. If you are into be a place you always look for- grating it with a bathroom but shades of blue, consider neutral ward to retreating to. Bedroom you still need to consider throw- colours or earth tones. design mistakes are not difficult ing in a modesty partition, frost- to make but if you follow the inte- ed glass or even a curtain. This 5. Neglecting Balance rior tips we have shared with you, helps you achieve 2 things – It One of the most common bed- it puts you in a position to make gives your bedroom the open-air room design mistakes is to make more informed decisions. Make design you were aiming for as your bedroom so heavy on one your bedroom design an exten- well as giving you an air of priva- side that it has the feeling of a sion of your personality without cy. room that’s swimming in space. going overboard. A common example of this is

51 Sports 08:19

FIFA’s hammer falls on Siasia over match-fixing allegation

In organized sports, match-fixing occurs as a match is played to a completely or partially pre-determined result, violating the rules of the game and often the law. ...These contacts and transfers can sometimes be found, and lead to prosecution by the law.

–By Saidu Abubakar with additional agency reports

ootball’s governing body, and stem from an extensive na. Fédération Internationale investigation into matches Meanwhile, the Nigeria Foit- Fde Football Association that Mr. Wilson Raj Perumal at- ball Federation, NFF described has banned former Super Ea- tempted to manipulate for bet- the life ban as a “massive sanc- gles of Nigeria coach, Sam- ting purposes. tion”, adding that it is shocked son Siasia, for bribery and “This large-scale investiga- by the decision of the FIFA Eth- match-fixing allegation. tion was conducted by FIFA via ics Committee. According to FIFA, Siasia its competent departments and The NFF says it is review- was found guilty of receiving in cooperation with the relevant ing the life ban imposed on a bribe to manipulate the out- stakeholders and authorities. Samson Siasia by the world comes of matches. “In its decision, the adjudi- football governing body, FIFA, In a statement, FIFA said catory chamber found that Mr. while waiting to take action af- Siasia would also pay a fine of Siasia had breached Article 11 ter seeking legal advice. CHF50,000, equivalent to about (Bribery) of the 2009 edition FIFA had announced the ban $51,051.00, while he remained of the FIFA Code of Ethics and of Siasia, former Super Eagles banned from all football activi- banned him for life from all coach, from any footballing ac- ties both at national and inter- football-related activities (ad- tivities both national and international levels. ministrative, sports or any oth- national after being found guilty The statement reads, “The er) at both national and interna- of bribery and match-fixing. adjudicatory chamber of the tional level. Acting President of NFF, Seyi independent Ethics Committee “In addition, a fine in the Akinwunmi Esq., in a statement, has found Mr. Samson Siasia, amount of CHF50,000 has said, “The NFF was shocked to a former official of the Nigeria been imposed on Mr. Siasia. learn of the investigation and Football Federation, guilty of The decision was notified to the subsequent decision by the having accepted that he would Mr. Siasia on the date which the FIFA Ethics Committee (Adju- receive bribes in relation to the ban came into force.” dicatory Chamber) placing a manipulation of matches in vi- Apart from his success as life ban on Mr. Samson Siasia. olation of the FIFA Code of Eth- a player, Siasia is famed for But we have, however, now re- ics. leading Nigeria’s Under-23 ceived documents, including “The formal ethics proceed- men’s team to a silver finish at one known as the ‘motivated ings against Mr. Siasia were the football event of the 2008 decision’, and we have handed initiated on February 11, 2019, Olympic Games in Beijing, Chi- them to our lawyers to study

In a statement, FIFA said Siasia would also pay a fine of CHF50,000, equivalent to about $51,051.00, while he remained banned from all football activities both at national and international levels.

52 Sports 08:19 and provide legal advice to the having accepted that he would from urging or inciting others Federation. receive bribes in relation to the to do so in order to gain an ad- Also reacting to the ban manipulation of matches in vi- vantage for themselves or third through a press conference at olation of the FIFA Code of Eth- parties.” the Moshood Abiola Stadium, ics by the adjudicatory cham- Samson Siasia has been Abuja, the former Nigeria U23 ber of the independent Ethics banned for life by FIFA for coach expressed shock at the Committee. agreeing to ‘the manipulation of decision by FIFA stating he Article 11 of the Code of matches’ for betting purposes. was not invited to defend him- Ethics says: “Officials may not In a statement from FIFA’s self, adding that he will fight to accept bribes; in other words, independent Ethics Commit- clear his name from the bribery any gifts or other advantages tee, “Siasia was found guilty of scandal. that are offered, promised or having accepted that he would “I don’t know anything about sent to them to incite breach of receive bribes in relation to the this. I did nothing wrong and duty or dishonest conduct for manipulation of matches that I have not received any letter the benefit of a third party shall Perumal attempted to manipu- from FIFA,” he said. be refused. Officials are forbid- late for betting purposes.” Siasia was found guilty of den from bribing third parties or The former Nigeria forward

53 Sports 08:19 becomes the third African to be banned by FIFA for his links to Perumal after former Sierra Leone FA official Abu Kabba and former Botswana FA official Mooketsi Kgotlele were suspended in July for five years and for life respectively.

Who is Wilson Raj Perumal? Wilson Raj Perumal is a con- victed Singaporean match-fix- er. He is accused on several match-fixing scandals, including Asiagate in 2007 – 2009 and the 2008 – 2011 Finnish match-fixing scandal. He was first jailed for match-fixing in Wilson Raj Perumal 1995 in Singapore. Born: 31 July 1965 (age 54 al level, revealed in an interview governing body ZIMFA in 2012. years) with Al-Jazeera’s undercover The Singaporean in a lengthy Conviction(s): match-fixing, series, People and Power, how detail, explained how him and assault he tapped up some African na- partner, Manimaran Kalimuthu, Criminal status: Released tional team players and their met some officials of the Ni- from Finnish prison in February federations in fixing interna- geria Football Federation at 2012, extradited to Hungary as tional friendlies and matches the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, a prosecution witness. during South Africa 2010 world Abuja, early 2009 to strike a Criminal penalty: 4 years in cup qualifiers through his com- deal ahead of the Super Eagles Singapore, 2 years in Finland, pany Football For You interna- make-or-break 2010 final quali- 5 years in Singapore (this last tional. fier against Kenya. sentence was not served). “Evading securities, it be- “I got to meet officials of the came more sophisticated and Nigerian football federation …Perumal opens up: ‘I fixed we decided to reach out to fed- through a Nigerian football Nigeria vs Kenya 2010 World erations and players in South agent, Odira Sylvester Ezeh. I Cup qualifier’ East Asia and Africa. It was had invited the national team Raj Perumal claimed he fixed easy to convince players and before to Malaysia for the Inter- the Super Eagles’ 2010 World officials from these impover- continental Cup.” Cup qualifier against Kenya to ished areas. Perumal, alongside his trust- help the Eagles qualify for the “Zimbabwe was the first na- ed associate, flew to Nigeria Mundial in South Africa. tional team to fall under my in 2009 to meet with NFF offi- Perumal, who headed an spell. I promised to take care cials. underground match-fixing of the entire Warriors’ feeding, “I told them I’ll make sure I syndicate based in Singapore, accommodation and traveling do everything to make Nige- opened up on his dirty deals expenses while also guarantee- ria qualify for the World Cup in and connivance with players, ing them $50,000 per match in 2010, as I’ve got two to three football federation officials 2008, provided they play ball,” players in the Kenyan team from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mo- he said. that are ready while my com- zambique, Lesotho, Togo and However, four years later, the pany will give Mozambique Nigeria to manipulate and fix Zimbabwean media exposed $100,000 for getting a positive matches. the scandal branding it Asia result against Tunisia in Mapu- Perumal, who was jailed for Gate. And, about 80 Zimbabwe- to,” PUNCH reported. two years for fixing and manip- an players and officials were ulating matches at internation- axed by the country’s football