Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 16

• 
• 

GENERAL

Nigerian Soldier Killed in Haiti

A Nigerian United Nations (UN) peacekeeper has been killed by rioters in Haiti who were protesting high food price. The protest forced the country's parliament to sack its Prime Minister, Mr Jacques-Edouard Alexis.  The UN has condemned the killing of the soldier and has announced a probe into the killing.

Fiscal Body Unveils New Plans For Excess Crude Fund

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has submitted a new spending proposal for the excess crude fund. The Chairman of RMAFC, Haman Tukur said under the new plan, excess crude revenues would be targeted at specific key projects.

30 Million African Children May Die By 2015, WHO Warns

Sub-Saharan Africa may lose about 30 million children if its leaders do not move swiftly to curb the sliding health indices of children and women, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned. Its Regional Director, Luis Sambo, stated 44 per cent of the world's under-five mortality and 60 per cent of maternal mortality globally are recorded in Africa.

Senate Wants Panel To Review Constitution

Another attempt to review the 1999 Constitution began on Wednesday with a resolution by the Senate that a joint committee of the two houses in the National Assembly be set up to collate the views of Nigerians. The committee is to be made up of 74 members comprising a senator and one House of Representatives member - from each state and the FCT.

FRSC Partners EFCC on Driver's License

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has disclosed its intention to partner with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to restore the integrity of the national drivers' licence. The commission's Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka, explained that the collaboration was essential, as the driver's licence was a major form of national identity acceptable both in business and social circles worldwide.

Shell Lauds Oilserv Over Two Million Man-Hour Accident-Free Operation

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has lauded Oilserv, an indigenous oil and gas company on the celebration of its two million man hours of operations without accident to sustain the achievement as a prelude to zero accidents in its operations.

Virgin Nigeria Plane In Emergency Landing

A Cameroon-bound Virgin Nigeria plane from Lagos with members of the junior female national team on board aborted its trip and made an emergency landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Wednesday, following a fire alarm. Three persons passed out due to shock and but were revived. It landed on the wrong side of the tarmac.

Two Men In Court Over N17.3 Million

An Abuja magistrate court has remanded Abel Sunday and Essien Daniel in police custody for allegedly receiving N17.320 million from applicants on the pretence of recruiting them into the Nigerian Immigration Service.

ExxonMobil Ties Energy Growth To Economic Development

Exxonmobil has said the amount and type of energy that would be used around the world would be closely linked to the economic progress recorded. According to the company, a realistic assessment of future energy use will require recognition that a growing global population will continue to and seek better living standards.

BJ Process Completes WAGP Pre-Commissioning Work

Scotland- based BJ Process and Pipeline Services (BJ PPS) has completed pipeline pre-commissioning services for the final segments of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) system on behalf of Willbros. The company coordinated the delivery of all primary equipment to commence operations within two weeks.

Investors Withdraw From Refineries

Most of the private investors licensed to build refineries in Nigeria have turned down the offer, requesting government to convert their licences to exportation of crude oil. According to the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), most of the awardees have refused to come up with the proposals for the building of the refineries. Meanwhile, Odein Ajumogobia, minister of state for energy (Petroleum), said that plan has been concluded to build a refinery in Lagos.

Brazil Discovers World‘s 3rd-Largest Oil, Gas Reserves

Brazil‘s state-owned Petrobras, BG Group and Repsol have discovered what could be the world‘s third-largest oil and gas reserves, Haroldo Lima, Director of the National Oil and Gas Agency, which regulates the sector in the country, announced on Monday.

Algeria Eyes Short-Term Gas Deals

Algeria plans to switch from long-term to short-term gas sale contracts to earn more by renegotiating prices every few years, Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil, was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

24 Senior Police Officers to Face Medical Board

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro on Thursday confirmed that 24 top police officers are to face the Police Medical Board to determine their mental suitability to remain in the Force.

House Asks FG To Issue Security Alert To Nigerians Traveling To S’Africa

The House has urged the Federal Government to issue a security alert and warning to all Nigerians travelling to South  Africa following the upsurge in cases of robbery and attacks on Nigerians in that country.

Expatriate Quota Violation: DPR Blames Interior Ministry

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said that the Ministry of Interior should be blamed for constant violation of expatriate quota in the oil and gas Industry in Nigeria. DPR Director General, Tony Chukwueke,  said that the ministry allows oil and gas companies to come directly to  get clearance for expatriate quota for jobs that Nigerians can do.

Missing Plane: US May Send Military Experts

Having received a request from the Federal Government to help in locating the Beechcraft 19900D that went missing since March 15, the United States government may consider sending US military experts to help with the location of the missing plane.

Customs Impound Trucks With N65m Textiles

Custom operatives have impounded seven vehicles at the Lagos-Benin toll gate, Ore-Ibillo-Okene roads, seizing textiles materials valued at over N65m.

Spainish Police Arrests 87 Nigerian Fraudsters

The Spanish police have arrested 87 Nigerians suspected of defrauding at least 1,500 people in a postal and internet lottery scam. The arrests were made in and around Madrid in an operation co-ordinated with the FBI.  The Police said millions of euros were taken from the victims, most of them in the United States and the Europe.

Nigeria’s Oil Output Could Fall By A Third -Report

Nigeria risks losing a third of its oil output by 2015 unless it finds ways to boost investment in joint ventures with foreign energy companies, a report by President Yar’Adua’s energy advisers warns. The report came after Shell declared that that funding problems could put the company’s joint venture with the Nigerian government at risk.

70% Local Content In Oil Industry by 2010 Not Feasible -NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the 70 percent local content target for 2010 is unrealisable as the country is still far away from even the 2006 target which was 46 percent.

Ajumogobia Raises Hope On Measures To End Fuel Scarcity

Worried about the lingering crisis in the supply of Petrol, and its social and economic implications on the country, the FG recently tendered an "unreserved" apology to Nigerians, with a pledge to tackle the problem without further delay. The FG believes that the reforms in the sector would address the problem.

IEA Cuts 2008 Oil Demand Forecast

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said it has cut its 2008 oil product demand forecast by 310,000 barrels per day (BPD) amid fears that the economic slowdown in the U.S. could reduce consumption. The IEA sees oil product demand this year at 87.2 million/bpd, against 87.5 million bpd forecast last month.

NIPCo Parleys Agencies On Safety Of Petroleum Tankers

Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCo) has disclosed its commitment to reducing the rate of accidents involving tankers. This would be done in collaboration with Road Safety agencies to ensure full compliance with road safety standards.

Shell Asks Reps To Wait For Compromise On Reform

Concerns expressed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the House of Representatives over the proposed restructuring by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) are being addressed by the oil firm.  Shell told the National Assembly that while it would continue with the exercise, the proposals of stakeholders on the reforms would not be ignored.

Police, Thugs Clash In Sokoto

Political violence erupted in Sokoto, Sunday, as police and thugs belonging to a political party clashed. The violence started when a PDP vehicle was attacked by thugs suspected to be DPP supporters at Maiduguri and Kano roads.

Reps Urge FG To Provide Security To Tribunal Members

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for Election Petition Tribunal Members across the country following alleged threat to their lives.

Rep Wants Private Refineries To Begin Operations

A member of the House of Representatives, Chief Ike Chinwo, has called on the Federal Government to encourage licensed private refineries to commence operations. He also called on the government to ensure that the four existing refineries operate at full capacity and give private refineries some level of incentives to enable them commence business as an avenue to check fuel crisis.

Thugs Stab Man To Death In Bauchi

The police have confirmed the death of one person and an attack on an officer by political thugs during Saturday’s councillorship primaries of the ruling All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in Bauchi state. The killer was arrested. The ANPP also declared, on Monday, that 30 of its members, including a serving commissioner, were missing. The missing persons were sent to supervise the polls. Investigations are going on.

Tanker Explodes In Kaduna

Two persons were injured when a petrol tanker exploded in Kaduna, Sunday, close to the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi market. The tanker was waiting to be offloaded when it exploded injuring two of the petrol attendants standing nearby. The Kaduna Central Market was closed following the fire outbreak.

Franco-Nigeria Chamber Of Commerce To Focus On Energy Sector

Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce is set to focus on the energy sector in its forthcoming business luncheon. The luncheon, which will hold in May, will address issues on the way forward for the Nigerian energy sector.

Shell May Quit Nigeria

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), as a result of pressures it faces from the militant groups and the Federal Government, may eventually close its operations in Nigeria. Sources said that the FG had withheld up to $1 billion as part of a production-sharing agreement while the two sides are locked in talks over how to pay for new investments.

Nigeria Requires $1bn to Execute Aviation Safety Programme
•NEMA, NAMA, NCAA for probe over missing plane

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that the country will require over $1billion investments to fully execute its aviation safety roadmap aimed at reducing air transport accidents. This is coming as a presidential probe panel on the missing Wing Aviation aircraft was, Monday, inaugurated in Abuja.

Strong Military, Good for Democracy––Mark

Senate President, David Mark, has said that only a strong military that can guarantee sustainable democracy. He said this at the opening of a Senate hearing on the amendment to the law setting up the Nigerian War College (NWC). The Senate President said that the military was at its best under a civilian system, stressing the need to upgrade the NWC to world standard.

Nasarawa Crisis: Seven In Police Net

Seven persons are currently being detained by the  Nasarawa State Police Command in connection with the recent crisis in Keana LGA of the state in which one person was feared dead and a palace of the traditional ruler of the area was burnt down. Among the persons in police net are three former aides of former Governor Abdullahi Adamu. Normalcy is gradually returning to the area.

Petroleum Subsidy: FG Releases N36.2bn to NNPC, PPPRA

In line with a directive from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Finance has authorized the release of the sum of N36.282billion being outstanding subsidy for petroleum products for 2007. The arrears for the period January to March 2008 have been submitted by PPPRA for processing.

Transcorp Pays NITEL, MTEL Workers N615m Salary Arrears

Employees of the Nigerian Telecommunications Plc (NITEL) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) have been paid arrears of salaries and allowances owed them by Transnational Corporations Plc. Recently, workers of both companies threatened to embark on an indefinite industrial action to press home their demand for the payment of arrears of salary and allowances.

N’Assembly Queries PHCN Over N13bn Debt

In a bid to ensure that the N13 billion owed the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is settled, the National Assembly Joint-Committee on Gas on Monday summoned the Minister of Energy (Power) Hajia Fatima Ibrahim and the Coordinator of (PHCN) Shuabu Maigida to explain why the debt which has been lingering since 1990, has not been paid up till now.

Contractors Of Failed Power Projects May Refund Money With Interest

Contractors who handled the controversial power plants initiated by former President Obasanjo but failed to perform may be forced to refund the money and pay interest on them. This is among punitive measures the House of Representatives Committee on Power and Steel probing the $16 billion spent on the energy sector between 1999 and 2007 may recommend.

20 Feared Killed In Benue Communal Clash

The Mbalan/Kendev land crisis in Benue State took an ugly turn on Monday as militia men in the area killed 20 persons. The militia men are believed to have been hired from the far north by local warriors. The fighting is the fiercest since the outbreak of hostilities two weeks ago. Over 70 houses were burnt.

MAN Warns Govt Against Signing Global Economic Pact

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned the FG against signing the international Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), saying that it would worsen the lot of the already comatose industrial sector unless the existing gaps in the level of economic development among the negotiating groups was addressed. Nigeria and some countries from the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions are engaged in trade negotiations with European Union (EU).

Victims of Sosoliso, Bellview Plane Crashes Paid $128m

Relations of victims of the Sosoliso and Bellview plane crashes have been paid $218.8 million.  The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that those who have not been paid are still in court.

Crude Oil Production Ends in 2030

American oil giant, Exxonmobil has predicted a possible end to global oil exploration in 2030. As a result, the Vice President, corporate planning of the oil giant, Mr Scott Nauman wants oil rich nations of the world to think of alternative sources of energy to develop their economies.

Trouble Brews In Chevron Over Sale Of Assets In Africa

Trouble may be brewing at the Chevron Corporation office in Nigeria over last Tuesday‘s confirmation of its decision to sell its assets in eight African countries to Engen Petroleum Limited of South Africa. There are oppositions to the divestment move by members of staff who feel dissatisfied with the decision, especially when the issue of severance package had not been resolved.

FRSC Impounds Bus With 17 Children

The Federal Capital Territory Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission on Monday intercepted a bus carrying 17 children, suspected to be trafficked from Shendam, Plateau State. The suspected trafficker and the children would be handed over to National Agency for the Prohibition on Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

As Fuel Price Freeze Pact Expires, NLC Warns FG

Ahead of next month’s expiration of the agreement between the Federal Government and organised Labour on petroleum products price freeze, The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the fear that government will, at the lapse of the agreement, raise the prices of the products. The NLC threatened mass action if the government is insensitive to the plight of the people and increases the price of the products.

Sub-saharan Growth Fueled By Growing Production In Oil Exporte

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said last weekend that Sub-Sahara Africa experienced one of its highest growth rates in decades last year, with real gross domestic product expanding by about 6.5 per cent which is anticipated to remain the same this year. It said that the growth was fuelled by growing production in oil exporters, and rising domestic investment.  The IMF also attributed the growth to structural reforms and success in stabilising economies.

World Bank Invests US$3bn On Energy Projects
In Africa

The World Bank has disclosed that its Africa Energy project portfolio currently carries 48 projects totalling $3billion. These projects range from increasing people's access to electricity, to rehabilitation of war-torn, dilapidated power grids, to ensuring international environmental and social safeguard policies are adhered to during the development of energy projects.

FG Directs NNPC to Sell 6.75% Equity in OKLNG to Investors

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been directed by the presidency to sell 6.75 percent of its 46.75 percent equity stake in the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas project. NNPC is hard pressed to provide counterpart funding for its joint venture operations. When the divestment process is completed, NNPC would now have 40 percent equity in OKLNG.

Government Gazettes Plans To Make Gas Affordable, Available

The Federal Government has gazetted the national domestic gas supply and pricing policy. This is in recognition of the role an accelerated development of the sector could play in achieving the national aspiration of yearly gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 10 percent. The aim is to clarify the policy of government in respect of the pricing of gas in the downstream sector.

NAHCo Restructures, Sacks 300

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo) has embarked on major changes in its human capital deployment strategy. The exercise will erase about 300 jobs. This is part of the company's corporate rejuvenation programme.

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Shell Extinguishes Trans Niger Pipeline

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has put out the fire on the Trans Niger pipeline which conveys crude oil to the Bonny oil terminal. The pipeline which was engulfed by inferno for several weeks at K-Dere, Gokana in Ogoniland has so far caused severe damages to farmlands and the neighbouring environment. Shell confirmed that the damaged section of the pipeline has also been repaired.

Youths Protest Non-Implentation Of MoU

Aggrieved community youths from Gbarain clan in Bayelsa state on Monday laid siege to the Etelebou flow station owned by Shell and disrupted operations in protest over alleged non implementation of memorandum of understanding by the oil company.  No casualty was recorded as confirmed by the Police.

Shell Worker Foils Kidnap of Daughter, Self

Attempt by three armed men to kidnap an employee of the Shell and his daughter, was foiled by the oil worker when he wrestled the man holding him until the car door opened and they both fell off but he held on to the man. The driver, who left with his daughter, later abandoned her with the car at Bonny camp. The one arrested, Ogbonna Kalu, is helping the police in the investigation.

Shell Alleges Plot By Militants To Attack Oil Facility

Shell said it is taking seriously, alleged threats by militants to attack the Bonga Oilfield. But the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has denied any plan with Tom Ateke to attack Shell. MEND alleges that the report was only a ploy by the Joint Task Force (JTF) to accelerate payment for an earlier demand for N700 million from the government to protect gas pipelines.

NDLEA Arrests Suspected Baron, Two Others

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Seme Border in Lagos has arrested a suspected drug baron and two others for drug trafficking.

Soldier Shoots 11-Year-Old Girl In Bayelsa

An 11 year-old girl, Blessing Isaiah, was reportedly shot by a soldier of the Joint Military Task Force in Nembe, Bayelsa state. The soldier was said to have fired the gun at a man who advised them to take some suspects to the station rather than torture them, but the bullet hit Blessing instead. The incident has already drawn the ire of the Network of Freedom fighters, who are demanding a probe.

NDLEA Seizes 14.27kg Of Indian Hemp

The Enugu State Command of NDLEA seized 14.27kg of Indian hemp in the first quarter of the year. The Assistant Commander (operations) Mr Fidel Cocodia, in Enugu said two female hard drug dealers were also arrested.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

We Didn’t Arrest Foreigners for Espionage – JTF

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Niger Delta has denied that the five persons arrested recently were on suspected espionage mission. The spokesman of the JTF, Major Omale Ochagwuba, said that the persons arrested in the creeks of Delta State were not classified as espionage suspects. They have been handed over to the State Security Service headquarters in Abuja for investigations.

Explosions Rock Agip Oil Wells In Delta

The offshore operations of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at OML 62 oil fields at Beniboye, Delta State was disrupted last weekend, as the company's oil wells were feared damaged after huge explosions. The damage to the oil wells had allegedly caused massive spillage of oil in the waters. The cause of the explosions is yet to be determined.

Agip Oil Wells Bombing: JTF Gives Communities 48 Hours

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger Delta, Monday, gave the Ogulagha and Odimodi communities a 48-hour ultimatum to produce the persons who bombed two oil wells belonging to Agip Oil Company in Burutu LGA of Delta State.

NNPC Suspends Fuel Supply From Warri Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Wednesday, suspended supply of fuel through the pipelines from Warri Refinery. The action taken was sequel to attacks on the Warri/Benin flow line.

Orubebe Blasts Warring Delta Lawmakers

Minister for Special Duties, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, has condemned the warring legislators in the Delta State House of Assembly and urged them to concentrate their energies on making good laws that would move the state forward.  He said the state would be retrogressed if the lawmakers do not work harmoniously, and therefore urged the feuding parties to sink their differences.

Two in Detention Over Edo Commissioner’s Death

The Edo State Police has arrested two persons over the death of the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Calus Enoma. The late commissioner was found dead at the Precious Palm Royal Hotel in Benin City three weeks ago. A lady, who allegedly called him before he drove out that night, was among those arrested.

Edo Commissioner Died of Natural Causes – Police

The Police has disclosed that the late Edo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Calus Enoma was not killed as speculated. According to the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, an autopsy conducted on the body of Enoma revealed that Enoma “died as a result of severe respiratory tract infection with acute cardio-respiratory failure”. The autopsy did not reveal any evidence of trauma.

Ekpan Rival Youth Groups' Clash, Claims Three Lives

Three persons have been confirmed killed by rival youth groups in Ekpan, Delta State as tussle for leadership position in the community assumed a frightening dimension. They were allegedly killed penultimate Saturday in a gun duel between warring factions struggling for positions in the community youth executive body.

Uzere Community Gives SPDC 21-Day Ultimatum over Abandoned Projects

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has received a 21- day ultimatum from Uzere kingdom, Isoko South LGA of Delta State over “inhuman abandonment of projects”. In a statement, after an aborted meeting with SPDC, the people asked SPDC to complete of the hospital it began 6 years ago, energize the water scheme from the SPDC flow station and relocate the Uzere West and East flow stations to at least 6Km from the town due to the health and economic hazards from the present location.

Truck Runs Over Two in Ughelli

A truck owned by one Mr. Gideon of Ekiugbo community ran over two persons at the central motor park, Ughelli. The truck had been lying static at a spot of the road. The owner decided to move the truck out for repairs when it lost control. The victims were rushed to a nearby health centre for medical attention. The driver of the truck and other personnel of the company took to their heels.

Ughelli Police Detains Man for Murder of Neighbour

The police in Ughelli are holding a man, Pius Ofena, over the death of his neighbour, Henry Adure. Henry and Pius had a little disagreement and in the process Henry slapped Pius. Pius retaliated with a slap, which killed Henry.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Detectives Yet To Find Clue On Commissioner's Death

Detectives investigating the killing of an Assistant Commissioner of police in Lagos State are yet to make any arrest or headway three weeks after. Mr. John Chukwu was shot dead at his residence in Lagos. He was, before his death, investigating a high-wire fraud said to have involved a bank in Port-Harcourt.

Robbers Raid Bank, Kill 2 In Ondo

Eight armed robbery suspects on Monday raided and killed the bank manager and another female banker of a bank in Irele, Ondo State. The police confirmed the attack, but said the command was yet to get details of the incident. The latest bank robbery is the 10th in the last two months in the state.

Lagos To Issue Own Driver's Licence

The Lagos State government has announced plans to re-certify all drivers within the state. The State Commissioner for Transportation, Bamidele Badejo, said that fake FRSC licences would be eliminated in the project and any motorist that commits an offence would be easily identified and traced through its data bank.

Five Feared Killed In Lagos Robberies

About five persons were feared killed and about 12 others seriously injured when armed robbers unleashed terror on various parts of the Lagos metropolis between 10p.m. on Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday. Most of the victims were felled by the bullets of the fleeing robbers, who had successful operations.

Police Nab Multi-Millionaire Robbery Suspect

The Lagos state police command has arrested Bala Abdul a twenty one-year-old involved in several robberies in Lagos. The suspect reportedly told the police that he has four exotic cars worth about N12 million, including cash of over N25m in three banks. He added that he wanted to invest on stocks before he was nabbed.

Police Arraign Two For Drugging Okada Rider To Stupor

Two persons, Mosuru Akingboye and Gbenga Akinro, have been arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate Court for allegedly administering a drug with strong narcotic properties to an Okada man, in a bid to rob him of his motor cycle valued at N95, 000.

Police Recover Ammunition From Robbers

Lagos state Police Command has recovered sophisticated and dangerous weapons from dare devil armed robbers in the State. Two of the robbers were arrested while 614 rounds live of AK47 ammunition, 27 AK-47 magazines, one locally made revolver pistol and two rounds of 9mm ammunition live were abandoned as they scampered for an escape following the superior fire power of the police.