FG approves $2 increased penalty for gas flaring

...as N' Delta New Vision engages Media personnel, CSOs

By Elo Edremoda

As part of efforts by the federal government to ensure development in the Niger Delta, approval has been given for increase, $2 against N10, in the penalty for every 1000 scuff of gas flared. 

This was revealed, Thursday, August 2, at a workshop organized by the Niger Delta New Vision in Ekpan, Uvwie council area of Delta state.

The Niger Delta New Vision is an office under the supervision of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, created to monitor, assess, among other functions, the progress of ongoing programmes and projects in the oil-rich region.

The workshop themed, Niger Delta New Vision: Partnership for Regional Development and Nation Building, engaged journalists and civil society organizations (CSOs) on ways to change the negative narratives associated with the region.

President Muhammadu Buhari

Disclosing that President Muhammadu Buhari issued the approval on gas flare penalty increase in June this year, Mr. Christopher Ilukhor, Technical Assistant (refineries and downstream infrastructure) to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said plans have already been laid out to ensure judicious use of monies to be realized from defaulting companies.

Noting the lack of compliance by oil multinationals to convert gas produced from oil exploration activities for other economic purposes, Ilukhor expressed optimism that with the increased fine, gas flaring in the Niger Delta may come to an end, otherwise profit the host communities.

"We asked for approval that for every 1000 scuff, you pay $2. The approval was just given last June by the president. We need the money for the gas flare commercialisation program to kick off. From the $2, a certain amount will be kept," Ilukhor stated in response to questions raised by journalists.

Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Senior Special Assistant to the President in the office of the Vice President, Mr. Edobor Iyamu, earlier reiterated the presidency's commitment to developing the area.

Iyamu, in his welcome address explained that the 'new vision' is a "forthright between the federal, state, local governments and host communities to engender" better living conditions for the people.

He said: "Development is coming in a way and manner that has never been seen before. The new vision is the federal government's commitment to develop the oil-rich Niger Delta region through diverse and regular reports in different media organizations of the vision's projects."

The SSA gave some achievements of the vision as the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) which commenced academic works in April; the construction of modular refineries, two of which "are at about 80% to 85% completion" and the Ogoni Cleanup which is now at the "commercial and technical stage" that will lead to the remediation and cleanup proper.

Other "quick-wins" he stated include "gas commercialization", as well as "increase in the budgetary allocation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ministry of Petroleum Resources," all in a bid to aid the advancement of the region.

The workshop had speakers such as Mr. Charles Achodo, Special Adviser to the petroleum minister, Prof. Maureen Etebu, Vice Chancellor NMU, Mr. Philip Jakpor, Media Head of Environmental Rights Action (ERA) and Mr. Arukaino Umukoro, Special Assistant to the President on Communication Projects/Niger Delta, office of the Vice President.