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NNPC Allays Fears Over Lagos Leaking Gas Pipeline

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The NNPC has urged residents in the Anifowose area of Lagos state not to panic over possible explosion as a result of a leaking gas pipeline in the area. The incident which occurred on Tuesday has thrown residents into panic.

But the government oil corporation said the leakage was caused by road construction and activities in the area, and that the problem has now been taken care of.

According to a statement signed by NNPC Spokesperson, Garba Deen Muhamma, the energy company wished to “informs the general public, especially those living within the Anifowoshe area of Ikeja in Lagos State, that a gas pipeline that was reported leaking in the early hours of today has been isolated and the general area cordoned off.

“The incident was caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities in the area.

“Preliminary findings indicate that at about 8.40am, Wednesday, 3rd November 2021, a pipeline gas leakage was reported around Anifowoshe, Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos State. The pipeline is a 6-inch gas pipeline supplying gas to Mainland Power Ltd, near Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

“The NNPC immediately moved in by engaging Gaslink Ltd, its franchise partner operating the pipeline, mobilized to the location, cordoned off the area and successfully isolated the gas pipeline at Oba Akran Valve pit.

“In the meantime, residents of the area are urged not to panic as all necessary safety measures have been put in place to avert any further escalation of the incident; while NNPC’s team of maintenance engineers are collaborating with Gaslink team at the site to ensure that gas supply services to areas affected by the incident  resume within the next 48 hour,” the statement said.

Adebanjo To Tinubu: Negotiate Restructuring Before Aspiring To Presidency

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By Ayodele Oni

Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has maintained that Nigeria may remain an “all motion- no movement nation,” if its constitution is not reviewed before the 2023 general election.

Pa Adebanjo declared that ”if my son emerges as a Presidential candidate of any political Party, I will not support him if Nigeria is not restructured.”

The Afenifere chieftain made the remarks during a biweekly meeting of Yoruba Global Council, (YGC), a body of progressive Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora,  tagged “The Platform”.

Chief Adebanjo commended the body for bringing themselves globally to promote unity, as well as protect the interests of Yoruba sons and daughters home and abroad.

He applauded the missions and the visions of the group, insisting that if Nigeria is not restructured before 2023 election, Nigeria will continue to dwell in the same problem.

The Yoruba leader maintained that the Buhari Regime had deliberately ignored the restructuring of the country which was part of his central campaign mantra.

Chief Adebanjo revealed that he advised Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that before becoming the Presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he should, in the first place, negotiate the restructuring of the country.

He pointed out further that the national conference  recommendation was still there for any government that is sincere with the issue of referendum to work on; saying the excuse of rancour among ethnic nationalities should not be an issue.

While accusing the Buhari led government of insincerity, he emphasised that for the country not to be disintegrated further, necessary constitutional actions must apply  to appease those that have been sidelined in the scheme of things.

“Even those that came into office advocating federalism like Tinubu, Osoba, Akande. You remember how they came into office under restructuring, they now say restructuring is not their priority.

”I implore you to invite Bola Tinubu, Segun Osoba, Bisi Akande and others to this platform as well. Ask them why they derailed, advise them to persuade Mohammadu Buhari to restructure Nigeria before 2023 elections.”

He insisted that the 1999 Constitution foisted on the country by the military was a fraud and there is the need to revisit the law guiding how Nigerians agree to live together.

“How can you say a product of the fraud would amend the fraud?

“They cannot rule us under the rule of the thumb and those of us who fought for democracy will keep quiet? No, it can’t work.

“In 2021, Buhari telling me Nigeria’s constitution is not negotiable? What a balderdash! What an insult! That is not the agreement we made with the founding fathers.”

Spokesperson of Yoruba Global Council, Prof Lere Amusan, had highlighted the missions and vision of the group to Chief Adebanjo to include the restructuring of Nigeria, which could only be a palliative measure to solve many pressing challenges Nigeria is facing today.

”Right now, people are in need of material gains, basic necessities of life, education, health, good roads and hospitals and when these things are fixed due to more wealth redistribution, then we will have lesser fights about security, corruption, tribalism and nepotism.”

Gov Akeredolu, PDP Bicker Over Dismantling Of Security Checkpoints In Ondo

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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo has accused Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of insensitivity to the security of the people by his refusal to pay allowances of security personnel, culminating in the sudden dismantling of security checkpoints in the state.

The opposition party had, on Wednesday, raised alarm over the sudden disappearance of a checkpoint manned by military personnel along Ondo road in Akure.

The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kenedy Peretei, pointed out that naval personnel who mount surveillance at the coastal area have abandoned their posts due to non payment of their allowances by the State Government.

Peretei’s statement reads “Soldiers that man security check points in Ondo State, especially at the inter State boundaries have abandoned the check points.

“This is as a result of the refusal of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to pay  allowances due to these personnel.

“Over the years, the Army high Command approved the mobilisation of soldiers to thirty  two (32) strategic locations in the State to stem the activities of kidnappers and other criminals on the condition that the State Government pays a token as allowances to the soldiers.

“This arrangement preceded the incumbent administration under Akeredolu.

“Unfortunately, in the last four months, these allowances have not been paid. All efforts to appeal to the Governor fell on deaf ears. Also, efforts by Traditional Rulers to plead with the Governor did not yield any results.

“In the last one year, eleven Traditional Rulers have been kidnapped, while one first class Oba, the Oluifon of Ifon was murdered in cold blood by gunmen.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State chapter joins other well meaning Ondo State citizens to appeal to Governor Akeredolu, to immediately pay the outstanding allowances due to the security personnel without further delay.

“The primary responsibility of any Government is the protection of lives and properties, a duty that has been observed by the APC Government more in the breach.

“Even with the presence of the soldiers, the people don’t sleep with their two eyes closed, what happens when, the criminals now have a field day, because of the failure of the Governor to do the needful?”

But, the State Government, in a statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo, described the allegation by the PDP as that of a party that lacks understanding of governance.

“The spurious efforts of the opposition PDP to weaponise a seeming situation of near sabotage, clearly shows how detached they are from the arena of vigilance.

“To them, everything is politics and politics must be infused into everything, including the safety and welfare of the people.

“No discerning group could have bought into such cheaply brandished propaganda.

“The ignorantly appraised security situation by the PDP is an inelegant manifestation that they would rather dance on the blood of innocent South westerners on the alter of politics for patronage than stand firm in defence of their people.

“The Ondo State Government desires not to go into the merits of the flying story about non-payment of allowances to any arm of the military.

“It deserves no such efforts more so, that, the concerned arm of the military has yet to issue any statement in that regards.

“It must be noted that notwithstanding the politicisation of any situation, the Ondo State Government ably led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN shall not, under whatever circumstances, succumb to blackmail and allow any puerile allegation wrapped under ethnicised platforms to wrought further violence on our people.

“It must clear to all, including the PDP, that, the target is AMOTEKUN. Unfortunately for whoever whose motive is to perpetrate violence under any guise, our resolve to sustain AMOTEKUN remains unwavering.

“We won’t be deterred in any form. Our time-tested character and attitude toward tackling insecurity even at odd times, shall not be compromised.”

U.S. Monitoring Anambra Elections, Pays Attention To Violators

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US Embassy in Nigeria

The United States Embassy in Nigeria says it is paying a close attention to the upcoming November 6 Governorship Election in Anambra State.

The election is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, but there are fears that it may likely be marred by violence and voter apathy.

Already, there are fears that the election could be a no-event over the threat by the Indigenous Peoples of  Biafra, IPOB, to shut down the South-east beginning from November 5 to November 10, over the prosecution of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for among other things, terrorism and treasonable felony. The Group is asking for his unconditional release on or before November 4, 2021.

But the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, in a Press Release says it is looking forward to a peaceful and transparent election. It also says it is keeping an eye on those who would indulge in anti-democratic activities during the exercise.

In recent years, the US has developed ways of punishing election violators, including cancelling the Visas already issued them, or denying granting them Visas.

Following is the text of the Press Release. 

Statement On The Upcoming Anambra Election

The United States looks forward to a gubernatorial election in Anambra State on November 6 that is peaceful and transparent, with results that accurately reflect the will of the state’s residents.

“We will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere with the democratic process or instigate violence against civilian populations before, during, or after the elections.  We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.

“Under U.S. immigration law, certain violations also may lead to restrictions on family members.  We call on citizens, electoral officials, party members, and security force personnel to do their part in ensuring a credible and secure electoral process.”

Imo Alleges Plot to Destabilise State; Fingers Former Governor, Others

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Declan Emelumba - In a Press Briefing

The Imo State Government says it has uncovered fresh plot by politicians to sponsor further destabilization of the State.

Unbelieveably, it said,  the masterminds of the alleged plot are politicians from Imo State who are said to have vowed that the Government of  Governor Hope Uzodimma will never have peace.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba raised the alarm on Tuesday when he addressed newsmen at the Government House Owerri.

According to Emelumba, “a former Governor of the State” and those he referred to as “other disgruntled politicians have voted a hefty N5b with which to trigger another round of security crisis in the state.”

Emelumba alleged that “a serving member of the House of Representatives from Imo State is coordinating the destabilization plot.”

His words: “Part of the plot is to raise a petition to the Inspector General of Police that security has collapsed in the State and that the government has been overwhelmed by the challenges. They are going to use the recent unfortunate fate of our two Royal Fathers from Njaba to anchor their campaign.” 

Emelumba said after the petition, the politicians plan to commence a destructive campaign for the declaration of a state of emergency in Imo.

He said with the N5b at their disposal, they also plan to sponsor sundry protests and violence in Imo as a way of giving vent to their position as being real, followed by intensive national and International media propaganda.

Emelumba noted: ” As I am addressing you now, a member of the National Assembly is leading the campaign. A serving senator and a perennial governorship aspirant in the state are planning a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police to serve him the poisoned chalice that Imo State is ungovernable.”

The commissioner alleged that those conspiring to unleash the fresh violence on Imo consist of politicians who lost the 2019 election and have refused to let go.

He also named those indicted by the White Paper on recovery of land and looted assets of the State as being behind what he described as “the politically contrived security breaches in the state.”

He noted: “The actors had openly boasted to make the state ungovernable for Governor Hope Uzodinma, a threat he said “had been maliciously executed.

Regretting that the perpetrators of the security breaches were dancing on the graves of innocent citizens, Emelumba wondered why they are still bent on causing more havoc in the state.

Hear him:  “It is truly alarming that greed and vaulting ambition could drive people to such villainous levels as to desperately seek to sacrifice the lives of their fellow citizens and the progress of the State just to get back at someone.

However,  he warned: “Government was prepared to match them with legal force should they try to constitute themselves into security nuisance again.

” If in the first instance they took us by surprise, they will not have a second day.” 

The Commissioner indicated that “Governor Uzodimma was ever ready to discharge his constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property of citizens of the state.”

He noted that “apart from pockets of security concerns like the murder of the royal fathers, Imo State has been largely peaceful as even acknowledged by the United Kingdom which didn’t list the State as one of the unsafe ones in its recent travel advisory note to citizens.”

Emelumba, therefore, advised Imo citizens to be on alert and be prepared to “resist the plot of disgruntled politicians to trigger another round of violence in the State.” 

EFCC Swoops on Internet Fraudsters in Calabar

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Abdulrasheed Bawa

By Stanley Ekpenyong, Calabar

In yet another raid, the Uyo  Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has swooped on suspected internet fraudsters  in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital, arresting 20 of them in a sting operation.

Probably because of its serene and peaceful nature, internet fraudsters, known in the local parlance as yahoo boys, have turned the Cross River state capital into their haven.

In the past months, the EFCC has arrested scores of them in different locations in the city.

Confirming the latest arrests, EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement said the suspects were nabbed at three different locations in Calabar, on Tuesday.

He said while some were arrested at Parliamentary Extension, others were arrested at Ikot Ene Obong 8 miles and Ekorimim Housing Extension areas of the city.

The suspects include Sylvester Lucky, a 30-year- old car dealer from Yala LGA of Cross River State; Samuel Uwanikone, 20, from Sapele in Delta State; Samuel Olofu, 21, from Benue State; Christopher Apuya, 20, from Obudu LGA of Cross River State; Esiso Mathew, 22, from Sapele in Delta State; Eyare Ernest, 20, from Boki LGA of Cross River State; Pedro Nsokedinam, 25, from Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State; Chimemma Mathew,  21, a fashion designer from Awka in Anambra State; Chukwudubem Chukwunewubze, 21, from Nnewi LGA of Anambra State and Chima Okeukwu, 20, from Oru west L. G.A in Imo State.

Others are Jisu Ojocule, 20, from Ibaji in Kogi State; Michael Jonah, 25, from Uyo LGA of Akwa Ibom State; Daniel Lukpata, 25, from Yala LGA of Cross River State; Dickson Elvis, 24, from Oghara in Delta State; Valentine Eshuru, 24, from Ogoja LGA of Cross River State; Sunday Henry,23, from Akwa Ibom State; Kanu Obinna, 32, from Arondizuogu in Imo State; Agbedia Blessing, 23, from Delta State, Edet Obase, 25, from Yakurr LGA of Cross River State and Emenonye Kelechi, 36 years old car dealer and indigene of Bende in Abia State

According to Uwujaren, “At the time of their arrest, the following items were recovered from them: Two Mercedes Benz C300, a Lexus 300 Saloon car, a Toyota Corolla Car and Two Toyota Camry cars (Spider). Over ten Laptops, several mobile phones and wristwatches were also recovered from them”

The suspects, he said, will be charged to court as soon as the investigation was completed.

Imo: Speaker Confirms Removal Of Deputy, Pledges Loyalty To Gov, Denies Bribery Allegation

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Imo State

By Charles Igbo

The confusion over whether or not Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu was impeached  on Tuesday November 2, as the Deputy Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly is clearing. The Speaker, Rt Hon. Paul Emeziem confirms it as true.

News broke on Tuesday that he Iwuanyanwu had been impeached. But his supporters, especially those close to Government House, Owerri, dismiss the impeachment as “purported”. They dismiss it as a ruse, and say it was a failed attempt.

18 members of the Assembly, out of 27, endorsed a resolution to impeach him. Even though no reason was adduced for the action, Speaker Emeziem carried it out to the letter, allegedly, without putting it to vote, or confirming the signatures of those who signed the resolution to impeach him.

Iwuanyanwu is a fierce loyalist of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Side talks are that he was removed because of his alleged arrogance, high-handedness and over-ambition. But his supporters and associates of Governor Uzodimma allege that Speaker Emeziem was compromised  into engineering the impeachment. They say he bribed law makers to the tune of N10m each. They say he was given a whopping sum of $300,000 to carry out the “purported” impeachment, and that it is  targeted at the Governor who they, allegedly, plan to impeach after Iwuanyanwu. With Iwuanyanwu fondly called Mr Capacity, they say, nobody dared plan an impeachment of the Governor.

But Speaker Emeziem, confirming that, indeed, his deputy has been removed from office, denied inducing any Lawmakers with even a kobo. He said there was no such thing as bribery. He dismissed the allegation as mischievous. He said he had no choice but to carry out the resolution of the members who voted, in the majority, to impeach him.

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Collins Osuji, Speaker Emeziem pledged loyalty to the Governor and Government of the State, and urged members of the public to ignore the bribery story, dismissing it as laughable and an attempt to malign him.

Following is an excerpt from the statement:

“The attention of the office of the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem has been drawn to the fictitious, malicious and baseless reports trending on some sections of the social media regarding the removal of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.

“The Speaker, as the chief servant of the House, as required by ethics and law guiding the state Assembly, only made the pronouncement after acknowledging that the resolution received endorsement of the far majority of the House members.

“But against the ‘factuality’ of what transpired, the mischief makers, sponsored by known elements, have taken to social media platforms to ditch out lies aimed at maligning the personality and integrity of the Speaker and the other members of the House.

“Also, that the Speaker and the members were bought over by some known politicians in the state to carry out the decision and by extension destabilize the state government led by His Excellency, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodinma was nowhere near the truth and should totally be disregarded.

“We, therefore, want to use this medium to appeal to the Imolites and the general public to treat the trending misleading and lies-infested reports with levity as they can only come from a power drunk or drowning person or persons.”

However, the State Government at a press conference addressed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, confirmed plans to destabilize the State Government, and force a  declaration of a state of emergency in the State.

Ikoyi Collapsed Skyscraper: Tinubu Backs Suspension Of LASBCA GM

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Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola  Tinubu has thrown his weight behind Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu over the indefinite suspension of the General Manager of  Lagos State Building and Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki.

Tinubu, also, advocated for  stiffer sanctions on Regulatory Officials who are indicted over the unfortunate incident that has claimed the lives of, so far, 20 persons with several injured, while some are still trapped in the rubbles. Among the dead are a Youth Corper identified as Zainab as well as a female Personal  Assistant to the Developer. There is still confusion on the fate of the Developer.

Tinubu added that the Lagos State Government is in order  to order a probe  into what t led to the collapse of the 21-storey building on Gerard Road, Ikoyi, on Monday.

The APC stalwart said the Government must get to the bottom of the ghastly occurrence, while adding that he sought “not to prejudge anything or anyone”.

“It is obvious and plain to us all that something went terribly wrong. If indeed intentional or reckless wrongdoing has been committed, severe and appropriate sanctions should find those who have been found to have shirked their fundamental responsibilities. The departed, their grieving families and the people of Lagos deserve no less and should perhaps demand even more.”

He commiserated with the Lagos State Governor, the Government and people of Lagos State as well as families of the dead.

In statement by his Media Officer Tunde Rahman, Tinubu  said: “The collapse of a 21-storey building on Geraed Road in Ikoyi, Lagos is a sad and painful incident. Once more and all too often, we have suffered the loss of lives for no defensible reason. This tragedy should never have occurred.

“Workers at the site and, for that matter no one who is simply trying to work in order to care for their loved ones, should have their lives abbreviated in such a manner. No one should suffer what these people suffered. Nor should families have to hear such news and bear such a burden like this. As we pray that the souls of the deceased now rest in peace, human compassion requires us to do more. We must reach out to their families with both prayer and practical support and assistance during this terrible moment.

“I sympathise with those injured and I commend Lagos State Government for I know it will see to their immediate medical needs and provide whatever other assistance is required for them to survive the episode and return to a semblance of normalcy.

“The emergency responders are doing well and they require our support and encouragement for their task is hard and not without significant physical danger. We pray that others will be found alive and without significant injury. Search and rescue efforts must continue non-stop until they are able to bring out whoever is still trapped in the rubble.

“Some tragedies are unavoidable, but most are not. We need to understand what happened here so that we can work harder to prevent a reoccurrence. I endorse Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s order for an investigation into this tragedy. There are many questions to ask, and all those questions deserve full and public answers.

“We must get to the bottom of this ghastly occurrence. I seek not to prejudge anything or anyone, but it is obvious and plain to us all that something went terribly wrong. If indeed intentional or reckless wrongdoing has been committed, severe and appropriate sanctions should find those who have been found to have shirked their fundamental responsibilities. The departed, their grieving families and the people of Lagos deserve no less and should perhaps demand even more.

“As much as we are in collective pain and grief, we must also be clear and focused. Let us use this tragedy to serve as a strong warning and deterrent to end any malpractices and misconduct that might in any way contribute to such an incident.

“We must never become numb to the tragedies that befall others; we must work and strive to put an end to these frightening events and the brutal but avoidable deaths that go with them. Lagos is and must forever be a place of light and life where the best of human endeavour is our currency and our calling card”, the statement reads.

2023: Youth Group Urges Tambuwal To Join Presidential Race

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Northern Youth Group under the aegis of Tambuwal Volunteers, has thrown their weight behind Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, urging him to join the 2023 Presidential race.

The Group said the idea of rotational Presidency should be quashed, saying that zoning shouldn’t be a yardstick for choosing a candidate to run for 2023 Presidency.

Comrade Bilal Sidi Abubakar, the Vice Chairman of the Group in a statement said that

power has rotated between the South to the North since 1999, adding that 2023 is an opportunity for Nigeria to get it right by voting a competent person that will move Nigeria forward.

“There has been zoning since 1999 and both the North and the South have produced Presidents but we are still lagging behind.

“We want a competent person to emerge as President in 2023 because the country is lagging behind”.

The Group added that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives has what it takes to lead the nation in the right direction. It pleaded with Governor Tambuwal to join the 2023 Presidential race to help pull Nigeria back from the brink and put it on the path of sustainable growth and development.

It furthermore said that the precarious situation of the nation puts it in a position where it is in dire need of a astute visionary leader like Governor Tambuwal to be the man behind the wheel for the progress, development and sustainable economic growth of the nation.

Tambuwal is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Festive Period: NNPC Assures Of Adequate Fuel Supply

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NNPC

By Fola James

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has assured Nigerians of adequate fuel supply as the festive period approaches, noting that it has enough products in stock to last through out the period.

The corporation’s assurance comes on of reports of resurgence of queues in some parts of the country.

Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, NNPC, gave the assurance while speaking to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as its theme: ‘Petroleum Industry Act: Energy Transition and the Future of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas.’

Kyari said NNPC’s objective was to provide energy security for Nigeria and ensure availability of petroleum products in the country.

He said: “As we speak now, there is speculation of fuel scarcity within the media but we have over 1.7 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit in the country.

“We have another 2.3 billion litres coming in so there is no shortage in supply as being speculated.

“Of course there are issues about pricing at some depots but government has no plan to revise the pricing structure.”

Kyari said the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, again highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria and other African countries in the global energy transition.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari, in his speech before the world leaders, had demanded for energy justice for the continent and the need to exploit the available resources as a pathway to attain the net-zero carbon objective by 2050.

The NNPC boss noted that though Africa accounted for only about three per cent of the global carbon emission, the continent still had the responsibility to join the world in combating climate change.

According to him, Nigeria has identified its abundant gas resources as its fuel for energy transition, which informed the declaration of the Year 2021 to Year 2030 as the Decade of Gas by the government.

“We are making good progress in terms of the implementation of the PIA which is clearly creating the path for transition.

“There is no way we can achieve this feat without adequate infrastructure to transport the resources to where it will be used and that is why we are investing in massive gas infrastructure,” Kyari said.