Oil-hosting communities get payout

The presidential adviser on petroleum matters, Emmanuel Egbogah, has revealed that the fed­eral government has worked out a new dividend payment formula for oil-hosting communities that will see them receive $1.1 billion in annual dividends. That is much higher than the $600 million annual dividend payment that Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Allison-Madueke had previously announced.

According to Egbogah, the onset of the amnesty programme has brought about an increase in Nigeria's production levels and thus it is perti­nent that the federal government seek a lasting solution to issues of militancy in the Niger Delta by coming through with its promise to pay divi­dends to oil-hosting communities. He also noted that the previous figure was 'not quite correct.'

For more news and expert analysis about Nigeria, please see Nigeria Focus and Nigeria Politics & Security.

© 2011 Menas Associates

Nigeria: Two pipelines belonging to NAOC blown up by suspected militants

Two pipelines belonging to Eni's Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) subsidiary, were blown up in an attack by suspected militants at Osiama in Bayelsa State's Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) on Friday 29th October. The resultant substantial oil spillage damage in the area forced Agip to shut down production of over 60,000 b/d.

According to reports, security operatives suspect that the attack was masterminded and perpetrated by the militant commander, Africanus Ukparisia (a.k.a. General Africa).

Meanwhile, the presidential adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Timi Alaibe, vehemently refuted claims that the attack on Agip's pipelines was carried out by militants because of their dissatisfaction with the implementation of the Federal Government's amnesty programme.

According to Alaibe, “attributing such wicked act of economic sabotage to ex-militants in an attempt to gain relevance is totally unacceptable.” He insisted that the attack was an isolated delinquent case which had nothing to do with the implementation of the amnesty programme.

For more news and expert analysis about Nigeria, please see Nigeria Focus and Nigeria Politics & Security.

© 2010 Menas Associates

Niger Delta's urban development may leave 200,000 homeless

The Nigerian government has been heavily criticised by Amnesty International for mass evictions in the oil rich Niger Delta. Plans for urban development, and subsequent slum demolition, in Port Harcourt may leave as many as 200,000 people homeless.

In 2009, River State government began plans to rebuild parts of the city which involve the demolition of slums on the waterfront inhabited by tens of thousands of people. The local government hopes to develop the area to create jobs, boost the local economy and improve roads.

The development plans include an eight-screen cinema, a shopping mall and hotels based on a buy-out scheme, paying those who own the properties to relocate. However, the majority of those who have received compensation have nowhere to go. Amnesty International has raised concerns that most of the inhabitants could end up homeless unless they are re-housed.

"These planned demolitions are likely to plunge hundreds of thousands of Nigeria's most vulnerable citizens further into poverty.The government should halt the waterfront evictions until they ensure they comply with international human rights standards," said Amnesty's Africa Deputy Programme Director Tawanda Hondora.

Source: BBC News

For more news and expert analysis about Nigeria, please see Nigeria Focus and Nigeria Politics & Security.