Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to achieve the one million barrels of crude oil per day (1MBOPD) initiative.

Tinubu spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the project 1MBOPD initiative, which also marked the third anniversary of the NUPRC under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), in Abuja.

The project is an NUPRC collaborative initiative to evolve alternative funding mechanisms to unlock incremental oil production in the short-to-medium term with expanded opportunities for all industry stakeholder groups.

Represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu urged key industry stakeholders to work alongside the NUPRC to achieve the outlined targets for increasing oil production within set deadlines.

He stated that the shared responsibility would require cooperation from government agencies, major producers, service providers, financiers, host communities, and other stakeholders.

The president said it would “boost government revenue, eliminate poverty, and contribute to an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) through a balanced, shared prosperity.”

“These commitments will be critical in ensuring that we achieve an incremental production in the next 12 months. Growing not just production levels, but also increasing efficiency and competitiveness of our industries,” Tinubu said.

• “Policy Reforms Producing Positive Results”

Tinubu said upon taking office, his administration implemented policy reforms and interventions aimed at stability, growth, and sustainability, which have now started to produce positive results.

The president said his administration remains committed to decarbonisation strategies in the oil and gas sector, while maintaining a renewed focus on economic diversification, the utilisation of oil and gas resources, and industrial development.

He expressed satisfaction that the sector has witnessed significant financial and investment decisions across the value chain since the reforms were introduced.

“To this end, we must work more subtly to grow production, meet domestic energy security needs and shore up foreign exchange gains,” the president said.

“I congratulate all active oil and gas industry players for the modest gains in oil production which rose to 1.6 million barrels per day.

“I am pleased that the NUPRC, working with industrial stakeholders has transformed that executive charge into a tangible measure set as progress to one million barrels per day in oil and gas production.

“By enhancing domestic energy security and supporting growing vibrancy, this initiative will ensure that Nigeria remains a crucial player in the global energy asset and means of worldwide energy transition.

“Increased oil production will mean more job opportunities, increased revenue for the government, and more stable energy supply for the assets.”

Tinubu also commended the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (oil and gas), NUPRC, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), industry leaders, and oil producers for their efforts in addressing contemporary challenges and driving development in the sector.

The Confederation of African Football will announce its decision on Wednesday regarding the “botched AFCON qualifying Group D” match between Libya and Nigeria, which was supposed to take place at “Benina Martyrs Stadium” on October 15.

According to “Libya Al-Ahrar Channel,” CAF will reveal the final decision concerning the players’ ordeal during the first leg in Nigeria, which ended 1-0 in favor of the “Super Eagles,” and the reverse fixture that would have taken place at Libya’s first all-seater stadium, with a capacity of 10,550.

The outlet also mentioned that the “Libyan Football Federation” submitted all necessary documents, with a specialized lawyer assigned to oversee the Libyan file with CAF.

A day after the canceled match, CAF removed the fixture from its calendar and announced the cancellation just hours before kick-off, referring the matter to the “Disciplinary Committee” for further consideration.

In a statement released on Monday, the “Libyan Football Federation” criticized the actions taken by the Nigerian team for refusing to play against Libya and confirmed its intent to take all legal steps to safeguard the interests of their national team.

Nigeria arrived for the match on October 14, but their flight was redirected to “Al Abraq International Airport,” which is around three hours by road from “Benghazi,” the match venue. The Libyan authorities held the Nigerian team for 17 hours, causing them trauma before they eventually returned home.

Nigeria filed a complaint with CAF, recounting their experience. Meanwhile, the “Libyan Federation” claimed that the Nigerian team was uncooperative during both the first and second legs, stating their own experience in Nigeria was far worse compared to what they went through during the first leg.

CAF described the situation involving the Nigerian team in Libya as “extremely dangerous.” CAF further stated that it had been in contact with both the “Libyan” and “Nigerian authorities” after the Nigerian team was subjected to troubling conditions at the airport for several hours.

The matter has been referred to the “Disciplinary Committee” to investigate and take appropriate measures against those who breached regulations.

On Sunday, October 20, 2024, top real estate firm, Adron Homes and Properties, led by its Chairman and CEO, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, CFR, in Ile-Ife. This visit was to seek the revered monarch’s endorsement for the upcoming ADRON GAMES 2024, scheduled to take place in November 2024 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Following a week of celebratory activities for the Ooni’s milestone birthday, Aare Adetola, also known as Aare Akile Adimula Oodua, commended the Ooni for his unwavering support for real estate professionals in Nigeria. He emphasized Ooni’s significant contributions to sports development, highlighting its essential role in fostering community growth.

During the visit, Aare Adetola presented a soccer ball to the Ooni, who showcased his skills with it. A framed official jersey was also gifted to symbolize the Ooni’s endorsement of the forthcoming Adron Games. This event aims to unite sports enthusiasts, real estate firms, and various stakeholders under one roof to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor competitions, with exciting prizes for winners in different categories.

The Ooni, through a signed letter, formally endorsed the Adron Games and expressed his intention to attend the event. He encouraged Adron Homes to continue its commitment to sports development, recognizing it as a vital unifying force for youth across the nation, transcending racial and regional divides.

He also expressed gratitude to Aare Adetola and his team for their support during the Annual Olojo festival and for celebrating his birthday with generous gifts.

In his remarks, Aare Adetola highlighted that Adron Homes is honoured to collaborate with traditional rulers and contribute to the development of their communities. He extended best wishes to His Imperial Majesty for continued good health and prosperity, expressing hope for many more years of celebratory milestones.

Aare was accompanied by several senior executives from Adron, including Adenike Ajobo (MD), Ihuoma (DGSM), Azuru, Emmanuel Oladapo (DAS), and several other key team members.