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FG to Deploy Drones to Curb Oil Theft in Niger Delta –  Lokpobiri

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Senator Heineken Lokpobiri , minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), at the weekend said the federal government would deploy new technologies like drones and satellite surveillance to halt massive oil theft in the Niger Delta.

FG to Deploy Drones to Curb Oil Theft in Niger Delta -  Lokpobiri

Lokpobiri also called for greater commitment from industry players to Nigeria’s ambitious plan to increase crude oil production by over one million barrels per day within the next 24 months, saying the federal government was ready to host the headquarters of the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank (AEB), following the country’s successful bid in July 2024.

Addressing a gathering of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), a group of oil firms operating in Nigeria, at the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, at the weekend, Lokpobiri also restated that oil field bid winners must explore or relinquish them.

Nneamaka Okafor, minister’s spokesperson, said in a statement that Lokpobiri’s remarks were part of a strategic plan to navigate the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s petroleum industry presented to the producers.

Underscoring the sector’s central role in Nigeria’s economy, which the minister said provides around 85 per cent of government revenue as well as serves as a vital source of foreign exchange, the minister said there was the need for the oil sector to remain resilient.

He acknowledged the persistent security challenges in the Niger Delta but reported ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure through enhanced security measures.

Aside from engaging communities and encouraging partnerships to foster local ownership of critical assets, Lokpobiri stated that other efforts include increased military support, particularly from the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Task Force (JTF).

“The government has also implemented technology-driven solutions, including drone and satellite surveillance to enhance the security framework and detect potential threats to the industry,” the minister said.

The minister outlined Nigeria’s dual approach to energy transition to ensure the future of its petroleum industry by focusing on maximising crude oil production and adapting to a cleaner energy transition.

“In the short-term, our focus remains on increasing revenue from crude oil production,” Lokpobiri stated.

He stressed that the government recognised the urgency of cost reduction, highlighting the government’s measures aimed at streamlining operations, particularly upstream activities, to remain competitive in the global market.

The minister said: “The world is moving toward cleaner energy, and Nigeria must be part of that transition. The government has prioritised natural gas as a cleaner alternative while actively exploring renewable energy options to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix.”

He listed part of the bouquet of reforms and incentives to revitalise Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as the Value Added Tax (VAT) modification order 2024 and the tax incentives order for deep offshore oil and gas production.

Lokpobiri told the gathering that the Nigerian government was focused on reducing contracting costs and timelines and has therefore mandated that the procurement cycle be streamlined to six months.

In addition, he highlighted the government’s commitment to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which promotes local content.

The minister emphasised that the government’s recent initiative to launch bid rounds for 31 oil and gas blocks will be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s strategic development.

“Each block has been meticulously selected for its potential to boost reserves and stimulate economic growth. In line with international best practices, barriers to entry have been reduced through signature bonuses to attract a wider range of investors, with strict enforcement of Nigeria’s ‘drill or drop’ policy,” he added.

Lokpobiri called for greater commitment from industry players to support Nigeria’s ambitious plan to increase oil production by over 1 million barrels per day within the next 24 months.

“We cannot afford to hold valuable fields in perpetuity. It’s either you put them to work or relinquish them. The era of renewing licenses without development is over,” he reiterated.

 

 

 

 


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Firm Sues NIMC, Others On Digital Rights Breach Allegations

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A digital rights advocacy organisation, Paradigm Initiative has taken legal action against the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government agencies, alleging systemic violations of citizens’ digital rights, including failures in data protection and inclusivity.

This is even as it revealed the scale of an alleged data breach affecting 43 million Nigerians.

Gbenga Sesan, executive director, Paradigm Initiative, at the end of year media briefing, on Wednesday, in Lagos, said Paradigm Initiative is taking this step, following allegations that surfaced in April 2024 about hackers gaining unauthorised access to national databases, claiming that personal data—including National Identity Numbers (NINs), home addresses, phone numbers, and passport details—was illegally accessed and sold.

According to Sesan, this breach potentially affects up to 43 million Nigerians. “When the data of ordinary Nigerians is breached, nobody does anything. To draw attention to the issue, Paradigm Initiative purchased the personal data of senior government officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and used it as evidence to push for legal action,” he stated.

“To this end, Paradigm Initiative has filed a lawsuit against NIMC and several other agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, accusing them of failing to protect citizens’ data.

“The case, filed in the Abuja Judicial Division in October 2024, aims to establish three key objectives: Prove that a data leak occurred; Invoke the powers of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and ensure accountability and sanctions for responsible parties. January 2025 has been scheduled for hearing,” Sesan revealed.

Sesan highlighted the government’s alleged negligence, particularly NIMC’s repeated denial of any breach.

“They called me a liar on national TV,” Sesan remarked. “But if data wasn’t leaked, why did the Minister call for an investigation? Why did the Data Protection Commission acknowledge a fine? These contradictions need answers.”

He also criticized the lack of independence and funding for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). “In 2024, the NDPC operated with a budget of zero Naira,” Sesan revealed, underscoring systemic issues in the enforcement of data protection laws.

The data breach has broader implications for national security, as it raises questions about the reliability of government systems meant to protect sensitive information. Sesan expressed concern about the use of third-party vendors in managing national data, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.

“The government forced Nigerians to stand in queues during the COVID-19 pandemic to register for NINs, promising that it would enhance security,” Sesan said. “Now, the same data meant to protect us is being mishandled and sold. This negligence is unacceptable.”

The lawsuit seeks to address these issues comprehensively, calling for greater accountability from agencies entrusted with citizens’ data, said Sesan, challenging the government to clarify discrepancies in its handling of the breach and ensure that ordinary Nigerians are not left vulnerable to exploitation.

“The court proceedings could set a landmark precedent for data protection in Nigeria, I urge citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from those in power. This fight isn’t just about senior officials. It’s about protecting every Nigeria’s fundamental right to privacy,” he added.

In her opening remarks, the chief operating officer, Paradigm Initiative, Nnena Paul-Ugochukwu, said: “Africa is at the forefront of a global digital revolution, bringing unprecedented opportunities in education, health, business, and governance.

However, Ugochukwu highlighted significant challenges, including the widening digital gap, data privacy violations, censorship, and poor digital governance. While technology has enhanced our lives, these challenges hinder economic growth, social progress, and the fundamental rights of citizens,”

The COO also pointed to the disturbing trends of internet shutdowns, digital surveillance, and algorithmic biases, which threaten freedom of expression and disproportionately affect underserved communities.

To tackle these issues, she said, Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African nonprofit, has been at the forefront of promoting internet freedom and digital inclusion for over 15 years. “With a presence in six African countries and programs spanning 27 nations, Paradigm Initiative has directly impacted more than 150,350 underserved African youth, providing digital opportunities and protecting online rights,” she added.


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Ecobank Sends Important Message to Customers Over Service Disruptions

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Ecobank Nigeria has issued a notice to customers regarding fluctuations in its interbank funds transfer service, which may result in delayed transactions.

The bank reassured its customers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and that all affected transactions will be processed as soon as the service is restored.

In a statement, Ecobank acknowledged the inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to minimising disruptions.

“We are working diligently to resolve this issue and ensure normal service delivery,” the statement read.

The bank also noted that other electronic banking services remain fully accessible, allowing customers to continue enjoying a seamless banking experience.

To assist customers during this period, Ecobank encouraged the use of its live chat feature on ecobank.com and provided an email address, [email protected].

The bank reiterated its dedication to providing reliable financial services across its platform, thanking customers for their understanding and patience.

As Africa’s leading Pan-African bank, Ecobank assured customers of its commitment to addressing their concerns promptly while delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions. The bank concluded with an appeal for continued trust as it works to resolve the current challenges.


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Galaxy Backbone Hosts Governor Mutfwang in a Move to Advance Plateau State’s Digital Future

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Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigeria’s premier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service provider, had the distinct honor of hosting the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The visit highlighted Plateau State’s growing commitment to harnessing digital infrastructure to enhance governance and accelerate economic development.

Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by a distinguished delegation, toured Galaxy Backbone’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its Tier III data center, its Security Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre. The visit provided a platform for robust discussions on leveraging ICT for improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

Welcoming the Governor, the Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, commended his visionary leadership and dedication to digital transformation.

“Your visit is a testament to Plateau State’s commitment to embracing innovation as a catalyst for development,” Professor Adeyanju stated. He further emphasized Galaxy Backbone’s unwavering dedication to providing the digital infrastructure and expertise required to turn this vision into reality.

During the meeting, the Galaxy Backbone team outlined the immense opportunities that Plateau State could unlock through its partnership with the ICT giant.

These included access to Uptime-certified data centers for secure and uninterrupted operations, robust digital security measures through the Security Operations and Network Operations Centers, and cost-effective solutions designed to localize data sovereignty while optimizing payment structures. Additionally, the discussion explored how managed cloud services, tailored to Plateau State’s unique needs, could scale e-governance initiatives and drive efficiencies.

The visit also focused on empowering the state’s workforce through capacity-building initiatives. Galaxy Backbone is committed to designing training programs that would not only enhance digital literacy but also foster an ecosystem of innovation to create job opportunities for the youth.

The potential of the 1Government Cloud platform was also discussed, highlighting its ability to streamline and automate government services while promoting transparency and accountability. Furthermore, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were positioned as tools for informed decision-making, offering solutions in areas such as land registration and resource management.

Governor Mutfwang expressed his administration’s dedication to transforming Plateau State into a leading digital hub, noting the state’s unique positioning as a vibrant ICT community outside Lagos. He underscored the importance of empowering the youth to participate in the global digital economy while residing in Plateau. “This is the future, and Galaxy Backbone is pivotal to making this vision a reality,” he remarked.

He also referenced complementary projects, such as the ongoing upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo hub and the African Development Bank’s selection of Plateau State as a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, as initiatives poised to boost the state’s economic potential.

Barr. Mutfwang also described GBB as a national asset with immense potential to foster good governance and stimulate economic growth. He commended the company for its role in promoting digital inclusivity and emphasized his administration’s determination to spearhead a digital revolution in Plateau State.

The visit earlier commenced with an extensive tour of Galaxy Backbone’s cutting-edge facilities, reinforcing the company’s readiness to support Plateau State’s aspirations. Professor Adeyanju reiterated the company’s commitment to translating the interactive deliberations into actionable solutions, stating, “This engagement marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine governance and foster innovation.

“We are honored to host Your Excellency and look forward to working closely with your administration to achieve a digitally inclusive and economically prosperous Plateau State.”

The collaboration between Galaxy Backbone and Plateau State signals a bold step toward a groundbreaking digital transformation, setting a precedent for ICT-driven development not only in the state but across Nigeria.


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