By Lucy Ogalue

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, has called for stronger partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to tackle corruption in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Orji said this at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World against Corruption.”

“We believes collaborations and partnerships among stakeholders present today can create innovative yet efficient and sustainable ways to propose solutions to address the corruption issues plaguing the country.

“Thus, NEITI is committed to supporting the fight against corruption by sharing credible information and data to ensure that corruption is minimised, if not eliminated, in the governance of Nigeria’s extractive sector.

“And recommend the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) model of multi-stakeholder consensus building and oversight as an option to implant accountability mechanisms in our governance institutions.

“I urge the stakeholders to have a robust discussion on issues centered on promoting transparency and strengthening accountability institutions to sustain peace, security, and the overall development of our country,” Orji said.

According to NEITI boss, the Corruption Perception Index 2023 ranking showed that Nigeria is still behind in its fight against corruption.

He said this was mainly in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, where corruption remained a significant constraint to realising ground-breaking reforms.

Orji said: “Nigeria lost more than 619 million barrels of crude valued at 46.16 billion dollars or N16.25 trillion between 2009 and 2020 through oil theft alone.

“Moreover, Nigeria lost 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries valued at 1.84 billion dollars at 140,000 barrels per day, from 2009 to 2018.”

According to Orji, NEITI’s contribution to the fight against corruption highlights transactions and operations in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining sectors.

He said that through years of extensive independent reports, NEITI’s reports had led to reforms in the extractive sector and revenue recovery, mobilisation, and growth to more than 7.2 billion dollars through inter-agency collaboration.

The executive secretary also highlighted the recent global assessment by the EITI, where Nigeria scaled through its global assessment by the EITI.

He said the global body acknowledged and endorsed NEITI’s report to be credible.

The executive secretary, however, emphasised the need to review commitments and approaches to the war against corruption.

Orji called for a special workshop to review the objectives and goals of the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT), including what had worked and what had not over the years.

He called for a robust discussion on promoting transparency and strengthening accountability institutions to sustain peace, security, and overall country development.

While thanking stakeholders who had contributed to the fight against corruption in the country, Orji pledged NEITI’s commitment to sharing credible information and data to minimise, if not eliminate, corruption in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative in Nigeria, Oliver Stolpe, said combating corruption required a holistic framework and a multi-sectoral approach.

Stolpe, represented by Danilo Campisi, the Programme Coordinator, Criminal Justice, UNODC, said it was important for all stakeholders to join forces in preventing corruption at all levels.

He said that to achieve this, a clear understanding of the underlying issues affecting the daily lives of citizens that might encourage corruption practices was needed.

According to him, addressing gaps in integrity, transparency, and accountability in government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) was crucial.

Stolpe urged citizens and the government to take an active part in establishing policies that discourage corruption practices.

He said it was critical to use an evidence-based approach in designing our anti-corruption interventions, which should apply to all levels of government and society.

The official then commended Nigeria for its active role in the implementation review mechanism (IRM) processes and other efforts to eliminate corruption.

Earlier, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Curruption Reforms (TUGAR), Jane Onwumere, said the event presented an opportunity for us to assess our level of implementation of anti-corruption practices.

TUGAR is a government research and evaluation monitoring unit set up to ensure data policy nexus and inter-agency cooperation and collaboration.

Its aim is to create awareness of the adverse effects of corruption and for all of us to unite and see how we can jointly combat corruption because that is the only way to ensure sustainable development.

The UNCAC began in 2003, and this year marks 20 years of convention implementation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has signed two major agreements to deliver Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to the domestic gas market and the international LNG market.

The agreements which were signed on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) saw NNPC Ltd. signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wison Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, for the development of floating LNG project and targeting the international market.

Also, NNPC Prime LNG Ltd., an arm of NNPC Trading Ltd., signed a Supply, Installation and Commissioning Agreement with SDP Services, an independent oil and gas company, for a 421 tonnes per day LNG project targeting the domestic LNG market.

The Floating LNG MoU was signed by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye on behalf of NNPC Ltd., and Mr Kai Xu, Managing Director, Wison Ltd, on behalf of his company.

A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, said the development would further boost natural gas utilisation in the country and enhance Nigeria’s gas revenue.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Ogunleye said NNPC Ltd. was committed to delivering gas to industries nationwide and accelerating the company’s gas commercialisation efforts through the floating LNG Project.

“We see both projects as having enormous impact all over Nigeria because they are central to the commercialisation of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources and ensuring that our country earns much-needed foreign revenue from its abundant gas assets.

“It is also consistent with NNPC Management’s drive to deliver on Mr President’s gas and power aspirations across the country,” Ogunleye said.

Similarly, the Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) Project agreement was signed by the Managing Director, NNPC Trading Ltd., Mr Lawal Sade, on behalf of NNPC Prime LNG Ltd., while Mr Abhinav Modi, Managing Director, SDP Services Ltd., signed on behalf of his company.

The SSLNG Project, which would be located at Ajaokuta in Kogi State, would ensure the efficient supply of LNG to the Autogas/Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and industrial/commercial customers nationwide.

Also, in his address after the deal, Sade said the SSLNG Project would boost the domestication of LNG utilisation by supporting the growth of auto-gas initiatives across the country.

“We are looking at a timeframe of 12 months from execution to the commissioning of the project.

“The project will deliver about 420 tonnes of LNG per day into the domestic market, which will enhance efficient delivery of gas to the auto-gas/CNG and industrial customers in line with Presidential mandate,” Sade added.

While expressing their delight at signing the agreements, the partners pledged to work with NNPC Ltd. to deliver the projects within schedule and in the most cost-effective manner.

Both parties agreed to work together to chart a roadmap for the project development that will lead to an investment decision.

The LNG Project is expected to be operational by December 2024. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says the African Continent needs “a just and differentiated transition” to enable it to harness its resources for the benefit of its future generations.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC Ltd., Mr Mele Kyari, said this while speaking at a Regional CEO Panel organised by McKinsey and Company, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Conference on Climate Change (UNCCC) in Dubai, UAE, on Monday.

According to a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., the GCEO joined other global energy leaders from the U.S., Holland, and Oman to highlight energy perspectives and insights on the evolving energy market.

Kyari said the world must understand and consider Africa’s peculiarities in addressing the effects of climate change on energy businesses.

“I have always advocated for a differentiated and just energy transition. In Africa, we have different circumstances compared to other places in the world.

“In Africa today, 75 per cent of our population doesn’t have access to electricity, leaving us with biomass as a key energy source.

“The world needs to recognise that the most practicable thing today is to substitute what we have in the short term to close the energy gap for our rising population,” he said.

With Nigeria forecasted to be among the global top10 economies by 2035 and 3rd in terms of global population, Kyari said it was critical that the energy poverty question be discussed as nations unite to achieve net zero by 2050.

The GCEO said that with abundant natural gas reserves of 206 trillion cubic feet (tcf) that have the potential to rise to 600tcf, Nigeria would be utilising gas to drive its journey towards energy transition.

He said that NNPC Ltd. was creating a regional gas pipeline network to supply natural gas across the African continent and boost its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply to the foreign market.

“NNPC Ltd. is currently eliminating gas flares in almost all its gas projects.

“The idea is to deploy such gas towards developing power plants nationwide to boost nationwide electricity supply, create employment opportunities, and trigger the nation’s industrial and economic development,” the GCEO said.

He said that to demonstrate NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to a net-zero future by 2025, the company recently signed up as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact in New York, becoming the first state-owned oil company to join the global initiative. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by EmmanuelAfonne

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled the Regulatory Framework for Energy Transition, Decarbonisation and Carbon Monetisation for upstream operations in Nigeria.

The unveiling was at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Commission’s Chief Executive (CCE), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, made the announcement in his keynote address at a roundtable discussion themed “Driving Sustainable Upstream Operations to Achieve Just and Equitable Energy Transition”.

Komolafe, in a statement on Monday said the commission was championing the decarbonisation of upstream operations.

This is to sustain investments for energy security and economic development in line with national aspirations and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The CCE said that the framework was hinged on seven pillars including; Natural Gas Shift, zero routine gas flaring and methane abatement.

Others are carbon market development, technology and innovation, upstream operations efficiency, incentive mechanism, collaboration and risk management.

“I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, operators, international development partners and multilateral agencies to join us as we progress the steady implementation of the Framework within the coming months, which will be underpinned by applicable Directives, Guidelines, and Regulations.

“Interestingly, the implementation of the Regulatory Framework has already commenced on the heels of the introduction of the Gas Flare, Venting and Methane, Prevention of Waste and Pollution Regulations 2023.

“This provides the renewed legislative basis to take firm actions on gas flaring, venting and fugitive emissions,” he said.

Similarly, the implementation of the 2022 Guidelines for Management of Fugitive Methane and Greenhouse Gases Emissions in the Upstream Oil and Gas Operations in Nigeria, which was inaugurated at COP27, is achieving commendable outcomes.

Furthermore, Komolafe highlighted the success of the ongoing execution of the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) as a major climate action initiative for Nigeria in the nation’s energy transition pathway.

He said the NGFCP projects, when fully executed, would mop up 50 per cent of Nigeria’s flares accounting for an equivalent of 6-7 Million tonnes of CO2 emission per year, in addition to significant socio-economic impacts.

While acknowledging the considerable support of international development partners on the NGFCP, the NUPRC boss called for enhanced assistance from climate action stakeholders in technical areas, project financing/funding, carbon credit earning framework and capacity building.

During the ensuing discussion, the participants exchanged ideas on how Nigeria can attain climate neutrality through energy transition and the implementation of decarbonisation measures.

In attendance were Claire Wang, Office of the U.S Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Martina Otto, Head of Climate and Clean Air Coalition, UN Environment Programme, Jonathan Banks, Global Director, Clean Air Task Force, and Mrs Funmi Ogbue, Managing Director, ZIGMA Oil and Gas, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Lucy Ogalue

Stakeholders in the energy sector have reiterated the importance of ensuring an inclusive, energised Nigeria.

They spoke at the 2023 World Energy Day Celebration, organised by the Nigerian Association of Energy Economics on Thursday in Abuja.

The event sponsored by the Petroleum Training Development Fund (PTDF) has as its theme “Energising Nigeria’s Future: Bridging Energy Aspirations and Realities”.

The stakeholders who acknowledged the government’s efforts targeted towards energy transition, said a lot more still needed to be done.

While welcoming participants, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, President, Nigeria Association of Energy Economics, reiterated the need for energised Nigerian youths.

According to her, the majority of Nigeria’s population is youth, and as such need to be included to help drive the nation’s economy.

Omorogbe said that an excellent energy mix was essential if we were talking about energising the whole of Nigeria.

She said that present-day realities must be dealt with for someone to aspire and succeed.

“And the present-day reality is that half of Nigeria does not have any electricity at all.

“We have a poor system when it comes to downstream products. We are a significant producer and a major downstream importer.

“If you now go into clean cooking, you will find that only about 20 per cent of Nigeria is utilising clean cooking fuel,” she said.

According to the President, what this means is that there is a significant deficit, but excitingly, if you are a business person, there are great opportunities for you.

She further said the government had a duty to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive in all these areas, and that a lot can be done to make Nigeria a favourable investment place and push CNG and LPG.

“A lot is being done already, but a lot more needs to be done, especially once we realise that time is no longer on our side with all the different initiatives there are.

“Also, considering that we are a growing nation, the problem will only worsen if we do not work on our challenges.”

Omorogbe then acknowledged the Niger Delta Power Company, saying it is their donation that has sustained this conference over the years.

Also speaking, Ahmed Aminu, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), said this year’s theme spoke directly to the call of our shared global challenges and opportunities.

“I am particularly enthusiastic about this conference’s role in shaping the future of energy and transportation.

“This event engenders a dynamic and inciteful dialogue among industry players, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

“It is a collaborative platform to chart a new and sustainable course for business practices in the energy sector.

“This topic is timely considering the current economic and environmental challenges we face; it will also flash a torchlight on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)as a sustainable alternative for our country,” Aminu said.

According to the executive secretary, CNG holds the potential to revolutionise not just the transportation sector but the way we think and utilise our energy resources.

He expressed PTDF’s commitment to driving the needed change through established human capacity and scholarship programmes for young Nigerians in renewable energy disciplines.

Presenting a keynote, Doosughun Takur, Director of Programmes, Clean Tech Hub Nigeria, also emphasised the need to move away from fossil fuels.

Taker, who expressed concerns on subsidy removal, said its removal was a way forward for the country to think towards a sustainable plan.

“We need plans to ensure we are not on resources that will run out, and then we will be stranded.

“We need plans, whether in government or in businesses, to create sustainability in our models and processes.

“I am a strong advocate of climate change. So, how will we keep the earth for those coming after us?

“We have to look beyond corruption, greed or money to make the world cleaner and greener for those coming after us, and the only way we can do that is through sustainability,” she said.

She said that Nigeria depended heavily on fossil fuels, and that transiting from there immediately to solar may be difficult due to the large gap.

She said: “since we have these natural resources (gas) that are not negatively affecting the environment as fossil fuels, I think our transition should move slowly from fossil fuel to gas, and then we can move to renewable energy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has waded into the dispute between Chevron Nigeria Limited and communities within the company’s Warri exploration and production area, Delta State, over Host Communities Trust Fund.

The NUPRC urged both parties in the dispute to maintain the peace, pending the resolution of the matter.

At a meeting between the feuding parties at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the Commission’s Chief Executive (CCE), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, urged them to maintain the status quo and ensure that peace reigned in the operational area.

The dispute between Chevron and the Ugbororo, Ugbegugun and Denbele communities in Warri South Local Government is over the naming of the host community trust fund established for the communities and the composition of its Board of Trustees.

People from the three communities were reported to have staged a protest in the Escravos Terminal area, accusing Chevron of going against the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).

Komolafe, in a statement by Mrs Olaide Shonola, Head Public Affairs and Communication Unit, NUPRC, said NUPRC as the regulator was determined to ensure that the proper thing is done immediately.

Having listened to the submissions of the parties, Komolafe issued a regulatory position and directed Chevron on the resolution of the matter which must be implemented within two weeks.

He emphasised that the law which was very explicit on the matter in contention must be obeyed by all the parties concerned.

Among other directives, the CCE called for the immediate convening of consultation meetings with the communities on the proper delineation and naming of the Fund in compliance with the PIA.

He equally called for the re-composition of the Board of Trustees in line with an earlier directive of the Commission.

“The process which must be supervised by the Commission’s Warri Regional Office is expected to be finalised and the report sent to the Commission within two weeks,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuella Anokam

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has urged stakeholders and Nigerians to refrain from issuing congratulatory messages on his re-appointment.

Kyari, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and Nigerians for their enthusiasm regarding his reappointment by President Bola Tinubu.

He, however, expressed the need for commitment by all the stakeholders to driving revenue growth and fortifying resilience for the naira and the nation’s economy.

Kyari, who said that he viewed his reappointment as a renewed challenge, expressed his commitment to stabilising the oil industry and enhancing service delivery for increased revenue.

“I humbly appeal to stakeholders in the oil sector and fellow Nigerians to support the company under his leadership to ensure the success of its mandate.

“Consequently, I request all parties concerned to refrain from issuing congratulatory messages on his reappointment,” the statement quoted Kyari as saying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq