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Bridging Payments For PMS Remains, Says NMDPRA

Published

4 years ago

December 2, 2021

CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said it will continue to honour and process claims for bridging of PMS to ensure product availability nationwide.

Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said this on Thursday in Abuja when delegates from the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) paid a courtesy call on the Management Team of the Authority.

Ahmed said the Authority was aware of the fact that the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), leading to the creation of the NMDPRA may have raised some uncertainty on the continuation of the bridging scheme; whether or not bridging funds will continue to be paid to beneficiaries.

He stressed further that NARTO as well as other stakeholders should not panic because all verified bridging obligations will be honoured and paid by the Authority.

Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, the National President, NARTO, earlier informed the NMDPRA of the outstanding payments being owed its members by the Federal Government.

He expressed concern over the fact that some members were losing interest in the business of transporting PMS, which according to him, was no longer profitable. To this end, he made an appeal for the upward review of the bridging funds on the pricing template.

He urged Government to put in place policies that will not only address the current dwindling returns on investment but will in addition, stimulate investment in the transportation and logistics of petroleum products in the country.

Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director, Distributions System, Storage and Retail Infrastructure, NMDPRA, urged NARTO to continue being patriotic and ensure that it plays its part in ensuring PMS availability throughout the yuletide period, regardless of its current challenges.

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Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo

Published

14 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.

The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.

“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.

The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

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