Trend-Setters

The challenges of managing oil spills globally has been a huge onus on government and the multinational companies to muddle through in recent times . Oil spillage occurs in nearly every oil producing countries, but responsible government all over, in anticipation of these spills comes up with stringent laws to protect its citizenry first in accordance with the government laid down regulations by abating spill occurrences and activities that undermines lives and sustainability. But in Nigeria, the reverse is more or less the case, but for a few good men advancing the course of the common man in the face of adversity. Nigeria’s economy is oil dependent with over 75% of its revenue accruing from the downstream sector. Being Africa’s largest oil producer and the fifth largest oil supplier to the United State, Nigeria exports about 2.5 million barrels of oil a day, almost entirely from the Niger Delta. Unfortunately this glowing figure does not translate into economic fruition for ...

The memories of the January 1st 2011 announcement to remove the subsidy on fuel will forever remain fresh amongst Nigerians for many reasons. This is the new year (2013) marking the anniversary of that infamous January bequest in a familiar old fashioned style reminiscent of the military era. Interestingly, Nigerians will dare to resist a dance to the mafia’s gong and stand the test of time thus birthed the #OccupyNigeria movement; a divine deal to end corruption in the downstream sector and beyond. The popular motion raised by Bukola Saraki, the Senator representing Kwara Central and the subsequent findings was an eye opener, till today, that gallant motion has liberated Nigerians to hold the government accountable on petroleum pricing and spending. Senator Bukola Saraki had dared to stir the honest nest, he reckoned that the federal Government operates a fuel subsidy scheme with the policy purpose of making petroleum products available that it should serve as a long standing palli...