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Miners Association Urges Federal Government to Enforce Local Barite Use by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria

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Miners Association Urges Federal Government to Enforce Local Barite Use by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria, Secretary of AMAPOB, Patrick Odiegwu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. Odiegwu said that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act of 2010 prescribed local content requirements to promote the patronage of Nigerian products and services by IOCs while calling for its strict enforcement.
He, however, said that the IOCs had continued to import barite for their drilling operations, adding that they were flouting the 60% requirement to locally source the mineral from the country.
NAN reports that Barite, a mineral found in Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Adamawa, Cross River, Gombe, and Ebonyi states, is primarily used as a weighting agent in drilling muds for oil and gas exploration.
It is also used for paints and coating; glass and ceramics; medical imaging and in the automobile industry for the production of brake pads and clutches.
“For the past 14 years since the law was passed in 2010, there is no year they (IOCs) don’t spend a minimum of 300 million dollars importing barite.
“We cannot have a product that is deposited in this country, can be mined, and taken through the value chain of our industry, yet the same product, day in and day out is being imported into this country.
“When this product gets imported into the country, Nigerians are deprived of getting the job. We need to know that mining is not just mining but also the production of raw materials.
“So if we are producing raw materials, we need to take it to our value chain to the industry that uses it,” he said.
He said the Nigerian barite was of international standard and could be used by IOCs, saying that it had undergone assessment by the relevant agencies regarding its quality
“There is a barite standard being established by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON),” he added.
Odiegwu said Nigeria also had the mineral in abundance and claimed that some mining companies exploring the minerals had more than 10 million Metric Tonnes available.
“Some of our companies that are carrying out exploration have more than 10 million metric tonnes of barite. If you have 10 million, it can serve the oil and gas company for the next 20 years.
“Over eight states have barite deposits in so many locations, that can comfortably service the oil and gas sector, develop it further for exports so that we have export earnings,” he added.
He urged the government to take advantage of its mineral resources in developing its economy, particularly in addressing hunger and creating employment opportunities for its teeming population.
“Reports of Nigeria not possessing high-grade barite needed for use by the IOCs can be contested.”
He urged the government to conduct its independent investigations on the quality of the mineral, instead of relying on information from IOCs that were only protecting their interest.
“We can supply the best quality even better than the international grade,” he said.
He emphasised the need for an interface between the Miners Association of Nigeria and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (NAN), to make enquiries and provide them with the locally sourced materials they use in their production.
He said that interfacing with key stakeholders, including domestic barite producers, IOCs, and the oil industry regulator, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), would help in addressing the situation. He said mining was capital intensive while calling for adequate funding for the sector and improved infrastructure.
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Business
inDrive celebrates drivers’ dedication during Ramadan with special appreciation Campaign

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4 hours agoon
March 25, 2025By
John
inDrive, a leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide including Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to driver welfare through the recently concluded inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja. This special campaign recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan.
The weeklong initiative aimed to honor dedicated drivers who remained active throughout Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers. The campaign fostered a deeper connection between inDrive and its driver community, reaffirming the platform’s mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.
Drivers who remained online and consistently completed rides during the period qualified for a special contest recognizing their dedication. As part of this initiative, numerous hardworking drivers received substantial rewards, while the most outstanding performers were honored with exclusive, thoughtfully curated hampers—symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.
At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan. This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders, said Timothy Oladimeji, Country Representative at inDrive, Nigeria.
The inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Campaign underscores the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.
About inDrivein
Drive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 240 million times and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022 and 2023. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation and delivery.
In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm.
inDrive operates in 888 cities in 48 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to positively impacting the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model, and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm.
InVision’s community empowerment programs help advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality, and other vital initiatives.
For more information, visit www.inDrive.com
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A two-storey residential building has been gutted by fire in the Sabon – Gari business area of Kano metropolis. The
read more Infant rescued as fire razes 12 homes in Kano
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Business
Playcasino.co.nz Releases Comprehensive Guide to Online Casino Payment Methods for NZ Players

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10 hours agoon
March 25, 2025By
John
Playcasino.co.nz has published a new comprehensive guide to payment methods for New Zealand online casino players. The guide highlights the growing popularity of mobile casino payment solutions among New Zealand players and provides detailed information about the various options available in the market.
According to industry observations, mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular choices for online casinos transactions in New Zealand. This trend appears to align with the wider adoption of smartphone technology across the country and growing consumer demand for convenient, secure payment options.
We’ve created this guide to help New Zealand players navigate the complex landscape of online casino payment options,” said Terri Radford, Content Director at Playcasino.co.nz.
Payment methods like PayforIt and Zimpler are gaining traction because they align with how Kiwis prefer to manage their online entertainment spending—directly from their mobile devices, with enhanced security and spending controls.
The guide emphasises that choosing the right payment method significantly impacts player experience, affecting everything from transaction speed to financial security. With online gambling continuing to grow in popularity in New Zealand, understanding available payment options has become essential for players seeking both security and convenience.
Payment Options Explained
The guide provides information on several payment methods currently available to New Zealand players:
Mobile Solutions: PayforIt and Zimpler offer convenient mobile-based payment options. These services are particularly popular among younger players who prefer managing their gaming expenses directly through their mobile devices.
E-Wallets: PayPal and Skrill are noted for their quick processing times, with PayPal being one of the few e-wallets supporting both deposits and withdrawals in New Zealand. E-wallets typically process deposits within minutes, which is considerably faster than traditional bank transfers.
Traditional Methods: VISA/MasterCard remain widely used options, available at virtually all online casinos. Card payments continue to be a preferred method for many New Zealand players, particularly those who value familiarity and ease of use.
Local Favourites: POLi has maintained strong usage among New Zealanders due to its immediate transaction times and absence of currency conversion fees. As a locally-developed solution, it has gained the trust of many New Zealand players.
AdvertisementCryptocurrency: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer benefits for players who value transaction speed and withdrawal flexibility. While still considered alternative payment methods, cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin are gaining acceptance at many online casinos serving the New Zealand market.
Prepaid Options: Paysafecard and Neosurf provide prepaid voucher systems that are popular among players who prioritise privacy and spending control. These methods are particularly useful for players who wish to maintain strict budget limits on their gaming activities.
According to industry feedback, transaction speed and security measures are important considerations for New Zealand players when selecting a payment method. Many players also indicate a preference for payment methods that support both deposits and withdrawals, eliminating the need to register multiple services.
Understanding Player Preferences
The guide acknowledges that personal preferences significantly influence payment method choices, with factors such as spending habits, withdrawal frequency, and security concerns playing key roles in decision-making.
“Every player has unique requirements when it comes to managing their funds,” Radford noted.
“Some prioritise absolute privacy with methods like Paysafecard, while others value the convenience of integrated solutions like POLi. Our goal is to help players make informed decisions that enhance their overall experience while practising responsible gaming.”
The guide also highlights several notable trends in the online casino payment landscape:
Enhanced Security Features: Many payment providers now implement additional security measures like two-factor authentication and biometric verification, offering players greater peace of mind.
Regional Solutions: Payment options specifically designed for the New Zealand market continue to be popular choices among local players who appreciate services tailored to their needs.
Faster Withdrawals: Many online casinos now emphasise the speed of withdrawals as a key selling point, with some offering same-day or instant withdrawals for certain payment methods.
AdvertisementResponsible Gaming Tools: Some payment methods now offer built-in spending limits and tracking features, which can be valuable tools for players committed to responsible gambling practices.
The payment landscape for online casinos continues to evolve, said Daniel Williams, Managing Director of Playcasino.co.nz. Our observation is that successful online casinos in New Zealand tend to be those that offer a diverse range of payment options while prioritising both security and user experience. We’re also noticing increased interest in payment methods that support responsible gaming practices.
Regional Considerations
The guide notes that preferences may vary across different regions of New Zealand. Urban players might have access to and comfort with a wider range of digital payment options, while players in rural areas might rely more heavily on traditional banking methods.
These regional differences highlight the importance of offering a diverse range of payment options, noted Radford. The online casino market in New Zealand is not monolithic, and player preferences vary significantly based on location, age demographics, and technological comfort levels.
About Playcasino.co.nz
Playcasino.co.nz is a leading online casino affiliate website that offers comprehensive guides, reviews, and the latest news tailored for New Zealand’s real money casino players. The site adheres to responsible gambling principles and provides resources to help players make informed choices.
In addition to payment method information, Playcasino.co.nz offers detailed reviews of online casinos available to New Zealand players, up-to-date information on no deposit bonuses and promotions, and comprehensive guides on casino games and strategies.
The site’s team regularly publishes informational content on various aspects of the online gambling industry, with a particular focus on the New Zealand market.
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