The Atlantic Bell

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capacity and expanding indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with an inspection visit to the Brentex Petroleum Services Limited (BPSL) Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.

The visit formed part of the Board’s sustained drive to accelerate Nigerian Content development by supporting strategic investments that enhance in-country industrial capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing for critical oil and gas infrastructure.

During the inspection, officials of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited presented a comprehensive overview of the facility, outlining its strategic importance in providing steel pipe hot induction bending and coating services within Nigeria. They highlighted key operational units, including the induction bending workshops, coating plant, heat treatment unit, laboratory and quality assurance systems, while updating the delegation on construction progress and the facility’s commissioning schedule.

The NCDMB delegation also undertook an extensive tour of the plant to assess the level of installation and operational readiness.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile commended Brentex Petroleum Services Limited for the remarkable progress achieved on the project, describing the facility as a critical investment that aligns with the Board’s vision of building sustainable local manufacturing capacity.

He reiterated the Board’s resolve to continue supporting indigenous companies undertaking value-adding projects capable of deepening Nigerian Content, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s industrial base across the oil and gas value chain.

In his response, the Managing Director of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, Mr. Nzerem Chidi, expressed appreciation to the NCDMB for its unwavering support, noting that the Board’s interventions have continued to encourage indigenous investors to undertake strategic industrial projects.

He also praised the leadership of the Executive Secretary for championing policies and initiatives that promote local manufacturing, increase indigenous participation and position Nigerian companies to compete effectively across the oil and gas value chain.

The Brentex Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s in-country capacity for specialised pipe processing services, further advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act through technology transfer, value retention and industrial growth.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel in a major effort to strengthen the country’s security architecture and enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

The Presidency said the restructuring forms part of the administration’s broader investment in the military, which includes the acquisition of critical combat platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the decision reflects Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and reinforce the nation’s defence capabilities.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. They include the 1 Division, Kaduna, covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states; 2 Division, Ibadan, serving Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo; 3 Division, Jos, covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe; the newly established 5 Division, Makurdi, for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi; 6 Division, Port Harcourt, covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River; and 7 Division, Maiduguri, serving Borno and Yobe.

Others are 8 Division, Sokoto, covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara; the new 9 Division, Ilorin, serving Kwara and Niger; the new 10 Division, Jalingo, covering Taraba and Adamawa; 81 Division, Lagos, covering Lagos and Ogun; 82 Division, Enugu, serving Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo; and the newly created 83 Division, Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.

According to the Presidency, the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, bolster counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure quicker military responses to emerging threats across the country.

The implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, comprising the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

President Tinubu also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for what he described as their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to defend the nation and guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians.

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his commitment to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, declaring that no amount of intimidation, political persecution or propaganda would deter him from pursuing what he described as the collective struggle to rescue the nation’s democratic values.

In a lengthy message of appreciation to his supporters, Dickson expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation and Nigerians at home and abroad for their steadfast support, solidarity and prayers throughout what he called his political journey to strengthen the country’s opposition.

The senator said that for the past eight months he had remained away from home while focusing on building the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in Nigeria.
He credited the party’s rapid growth to the commitment of its members, candidates and political partners, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“I thank God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also thank our party officers at every level and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust and unwavering support,” Dickson said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, insisting that the survival of a vibrant multi-party system was essential to the country’s future.

According to him, ongoing legal battles and what he termed “contrived anti-democratic shenanigans” would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist attempts to undermine democratic institutions.

The former governor also accused unnamed political figures whom he said he had helped to attain positions of authority of turning against him by allegedly weaponising state institutions, removing political opponents from office, victimising innocent citizens and spreading propaganda.
Despite what he described as nearly seven years of sustained persecution against him, his family and supporters, Dickson said the loyalty of his followers had remained unshaken.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace politics driven by ideas, conviction and principles rather than personal gain, appointments or what he called “stomach infrastructure.”

He said the enduring legacy he hoped to leave behind was a generation courageous enough to reject injustice, defend truth and demand accountability from leaders.

Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally appreciate party members and supporters across the state.

He called on citizens to reject violence and intimidation, urging them instead to participate actively in peaceful democratic processes and protect the sanctity of their votes.

The senator warned that politicians who relied on intimidation, abuse of state institutions and violence would ultimately be rejected by the electorate.

Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered nearly two decades of investigations, allegations, political conspiracies and intimidation, yet continued to emerge stronger.

He argued that despite governing Bayelsa during a period marked by severe economic recession, his administration recorded lasting achievements across critical sectors and laid a solid foundation for the state’s development.

“I have seen it all and survived it all. The God who has stood by me has not abandoned me. He remains on His throne, watching and judging the actions of all men,” he declared.

Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that justice, democracy and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.

The mystery surrounding the killing of the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Organised Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, has deepened following a deadly attack by unidentified gunmen that also claimed the lives of three women in Rivers State.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening along Oba Road in Omoku, left two other persons with gunshot wounds. The survivors are receiving treatment in hospital, while security agencies have launched an investigation to unravel the motive behind the killings.

The incident threw the community into panic as residents fled for safety and business owners hurriedly shut their shops amid fears of further violence.

Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the commander was relaxing in front of his residence with his sister and her friend when the assailants struck at about 5:05 p.m.
According to him, the gunmen walked up to the group and opened fire, killing Nwaocha and three women on the spot, while two others sustained gunshot injuries.

“We reported the incident to the police immediately,” he said.
Godknows appealed to residents of Omoku and the wider Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, urging them to continue with their lawful activities despite the tragic incident.

He also called on the Rivers State Government to strengthen support for OSPAC, lamenting that members of the community-based security outfit operate under difficult conditions due to poor remuneration and inadequate funding.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the identity of the attackers nor the motive for the killings had been established, raising fresh concerns over the circumstances surrounding the assassination of the local security commander.

Reacting to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command described the attack as a major setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, said the police had commenced investigations and were determined to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the killings.

She appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist investigators in unraveling the mystery surrounding the attack.

The Executive Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Barr. Vincent Nemieboka, has donated N1 million to support a holiday skill acquisition programme initiated by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for primary and secondary school students in the area.

Nemieboka announced the donation during a visit to the Council’s Administrative Hall, where the corps members are conducting free vocational training for pupils and students as part of efforts to equip them with practical and entrepreneurial skills during the school holiday.

Commending the corps members for what he described as their creativity, innovation and commitment to community development, the council chairman said skills acquisition remains a critical pathway to economic growth and youth empowerment.

He noted that the initiative, which he described as the first of its kind in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, aligns with his administration’s commitment to human capital development.

Nemieboka directed that N500,000 of the donation be used to offset the cost of materials purchased for the training, while the remaining N500,000 should serve as a welfare package for the corps members in appreciation of their selfless service.

He also assured the corps members of the council’s continued support, disclosing that arrangements were underway for a formal reception where members of his administration and key stakeholders would officially welcome them to the local government in keeping with the renowned hospitality of the Ogu/Bolo people.
The holiday training programme was funded initially with N300,000 received by the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) from the Anglican Communion in Ogu/Bolo during an outreach programme.

The corps members invested the funds in the purchase of training materials for practical sessions in pastry making, including chin-chin, cakes, meat pies and small chops, as well as local and international cuisine, soap and liquid soap production, makeup artistry, makeover techniques, gele tying and other vocational skills designed to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among participating students.

The initiative has attracted commendation from residents, who described it as a timely intervention that will expose young people to productive skills and encourage entrepreneurship from an early age.

The Opobo Council of Alapu has announced that Opobo Kingdom will officially crown His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom on September 26, 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in the historic riverine kingdom.

The coronation, which forms the highlight of a week-long programme of activities scheduled from September 18 to 27, 2026, is expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic community, sons and daughters of Opobo Kingdom, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond.

In a statement issued by the Chief of Protocol and Public Relations of the Opobo Council of Alapu, Alabo Godwin Omoni Nengia Bupo, Abayebupo Duke Norfolk III, the council described the event as a defining moment in the history of the kingdom.

Founded in 1870 by the legendary merchant prince King Jaja of Opobo and his compatriots, Opobo Kingdom has remained one of the Niger Delta’s most celebrated traditional institutions, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, maritime trading history, diplomatic influence and resilience.

According to the council, the ascension of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the sixth monarch in the Jeki lineage signals the dawn of a new chapter that will build on the kingdom’s enduring legacy while promoting unity, cultural preservation and sustainable socio-economic development.

The statement noted that the coronation would be “more than the crowning of a king,” describing it as a celebration of the kingdom’s resilience, identity, ancestry and enduring traditions.

“This historic coronation is not merely the crowning of a king, but a celebration of our resilience, our identity, our ancestry and our enduring heritage,” the statement said.

The council added that a comprehensive programme of cultural, spiritual and ceremonial activities has been lined up across the kingdom to commemorate the historic occasion, culminating in the official coronation on September 26.

It called on friends of Opobo Kingdom, cultural enthusiasts and well-wishers from around the world to join in celebrating what it described as a landmark event in the history of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected traditional kingdoms.

The Federal Government has returned 13 oil and gas blocks to its licensing basket after they failed to attract bids during the 2025 Licensing Round, highlighting the uneven investor appetite for Nigeria’s upstream petroleum assets despite renewed interest in the sector.

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2025 Commercial Bid Conference in Abuja.

According to Eyesan, only 37 of the 50 oil and gas blocks offered in the licensing exercise received bids from prospective investors, leaving 13 assets without any commercial interest.

“At the end of the exercise, we had 50 blocks on offer, but we only had representation for 37 of those 50 blocks. Thirteen of those blocks will be returning back to the basket,” she said.

The decision to return the unclaimed blocks means the Federal Government will have to repackage or re-offer the assets in future licensing rounds, a development that underscores the reality that not all Nigerian oil fields are currently attractive to investors amid changing global energy dynamics, commercial risks and investment considerations.

Despite the 13 unbid blocks, the NUPRC described the licensing round as a success, revealing that 143 companies submitted about 200 bids for the available assets.

“We have a total of 143 companies showing interest for 200 bids. That, for us, was remarkable, and I must say thank you,” Eyesan said.

She noted that the licensing process began with interest from nearly 300 companies, which she described as evidence of growing confidence in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry following ongoing regulatory reforms.

“When we started the journey, we got interest from almost 300 companies. I repeat, almost 300 companies. That, in my view, was an indication that the tide has turned for Nigeria,” she stated.

Eyesan explained that the initial expressions of interest were subjected to a rigorous prequalification process, reducing the number of participating firms to 196 before the technical and commercial bid stages.

“From the almost 300 interests that we got, we moved to the pre-qualification stage, and that number was pruned down to 196,” she added.

The eventual participation of 143 companies, which submitted approximately 200 commercial bids, reflects sustained investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. However, the inability of 13 blocks to secure any bid suggests that certain assets may require improved fiscal incentives, additional geological data or more favourable investment conditions before they can attract commercial interest.

The returned blocks will remain in the Federal Government’s licensing inventory and are expected to be re-offered in future bid rounds after further evaluation.

The Commander of Nigerian Naval Shipyard Pathfinder, Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical pillar of national unity and sustainable development, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to deepening its long-standing partnership with the scheme in Rivers State.

Raji made the remarks when he received the NYSC Rivers State Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt.

The naval chief praised the 56-year-old NYSC Scheme for its strategic role in nation-building, saying it has remained a “bedrock of national unity and sustainable development” since its establishment.

He also commended the cordial relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Naval Shipyard, describing the synergy between both institutions as “very healthy and mutually beneficial.”

According to him, the partnership has continued to yield positive results, particularly in the area of service delivery by corps members posted to the Shipyard.

Raji assured the NYSC management in the state of his readiness to support the successful implementation of the scheme’s programmes and activities, noting that closer collaboration between the two institutions would further strengthen their bond.

“My administration remains available and committed to supporting the NYSC in the successful implementation of its programmes and activities in the state,” he said.

He further appreciated the quality of service rendered by corps members serving at the Shipyard and pledged that their welfare would remain a top priority under his leadership.

“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of corps members in order to encourage and motivate them for optimum performance,” the commander added.

Earlier, Oleghe said the visit was aimed at formally interfacing with the commander, familiarising with him and welcoming him to Rivers State following his recent appointment.

He noted that the relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Naval Shipyard had remained strong over the years and called for its sustenance.

The state coordinator thanked the commander for his assurances of support and stressed the importance of strategic stakeholders such as the Nigerian Navy in ensuring the security and welfare of corps members.

Oleghe added that the support of the Navy would provide corps members with the enabling environment required to serve the nation effectively and without hindrance.

The visit, both officials agreed, underscored the shared commitment of the NYSC and the Nigerian Navy to national integration, youth development and the continued strengthening of institutional collaboration in Rivers State.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course will commence nationwide on Wednesday, August 5, and end on Tuesday, August 25.

The scheme, in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the three-week exercise would be held simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the statement, call-up numbers have already been uploaded to the dashboards of prospective corps members, while call-up letters will be released in due course.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, congratulated all prospective corps members mobilised for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II service year on the successful completion of their studies in higher institutions within and outside Nigeria.

He also urged the prospective corps members to make safety their top priority while travelling to their respective orientation camps.

Nafiu specifically warned them against embarking on night journeys, stressing the need to comply with all travel and safety advisories issued by the scheme.

“The Director General wishes them a safe journey to their respective Orientation Camps and strongly advises them to avoid travelling at night. He also urges them to strictly adhere to all travel and safety guidelines throughout their journey to the camps,” the statement said.

The NYSC orientation course marks the commencement of the mandatory one-year national service programme, during which corps members undergo paramilitary drills, leadership and citizenship training, skills acquisition, and community development activities before deployment to their places of primary assignment across the country.