By Emmanuella Anokam

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, says the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project which aims to link European market is expected to begin in 2024.

Under this project, Gas is expected to be transported through the participating countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.

Ekpo, while receiving a delegation of envoys from the Kingdom of Morocco led by its Ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ou Ali Tagma on Monday in Abuja, said Nigeria was ready and interested in the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation visited the minister for a bilateral discussion on cooperation and commitment towards finalising the Trans-Atlantic pipeline project and also on the development of its fertiliser plant in Nigeria.

Recall that the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project has advanced with the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in June 2023 to ensure progress and strategic direction of the 25 billion dollars Trans-Atlantic project.

MoUs were signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco and the Société Nationale des Opérations Pétrolières of Cote d’Ivoire (PETROCI) among others.

Once completed, the project will enhance the monetisation of the natural gas resources of the affected African countries and also offer a new alternative export route to Europe.

Ekpo, while expressing Nigeria’s interest and readiness said with its position of 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, there was need to supply gas to the continent before exporting to other continents.

“I believe by 2024 we will conclude on it. Your company has been relating with the NNPC Ltd and I have been receiving briefs. We also talked about it during the meeting of West African Gas Pipeline Committee Parties.

“For the fact that the pipeline existing within that corridor currently is 20 inches; there is a proposal to increase the size after Togo to 46 inches so that the flow will be large enough.

“Currently the world is talking about climate change and the natural gas is the sure way to go with low carbon emission so we have to be serious about utilisation of gas for prosperity.

On the fertiliser project of the country, he said with the era of natural gas and components used to boost fertiliser industries, all the value chain should be exploited.

Earlier, the Moroccan Ambassador described the project which started in 2016 as the most important in Africa aimed at exporting gas to Europe, adding that between 2016 and 2023 many meetings and MoUs signing had been held.

Tagma said the economic and technical studies being conducted on the project would be concluded early 2024, adding that the participating governments could decide to start its construction in 2024.

“The objective of this project is not to transport gas only but also to offer some opportunities for development of the countries between Nigeria and Morocco for supplying of energy,’’ he said.

The ambassador disclosed that its OCP Group, (formerly Office Chérifien des Phosphates), the most exporter of fertiliser in the world had inaugurated plants in Kaduna, Sokoto and Ogun states, then currently opening in Akwa Ibom.

He said the construction of the 1.5 billion dollars fertiliser plant project in Akwa Ibom would commence in December, adding that it would spur investments. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has waded into the challenges of constant price increment of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the country’s domestic market.

The intervention on LPG (cooking gas) follows the rise in the price of LPG per kg in recent months, from about N700 to above N900 in parts of the country.

“With the exponential increase in the price of LPG, there is the need for the Federal Government to intervene and I am that representative at this moment,” Ekpo said.

A statement issued by Louis Ibah, minister’s Spokesperson after a stakeholders meeting, quoted the Ekpo as mandating a committee headed by Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to find a solution within one week.

The meeting had in attendance top officials of Chevron Nigeria Limited led by Sansay Narasimha; NMDPRA, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed and the NNPC Ltd.

Ekpo constituted the committee and mandated them to recommend the best way to boost supplies and crash LPG prices.

The minister said that the key challenges identified as responsible for the price increase included FX sourcing for imports and insufficient supply to the domestic market by producers.

He expressed the concerns of President Bola Tinubu over the astronomical increase in the price of cooking gas and the attendant hardship on the majority of citizens.

The minister noted that the increase manifested where some of the multinational firms were more concerned with gas exports without dedicating huge volumes for the domestic market.

This, Ekpo said was unacceptable and should be discouraged since the country had abundant gas reserves.

“We acknowledge that some producers are exporting while we are faced with the challenges of importation.

“Public interest is the overriding interest all over the world for the government and the demand for LPG will increase as we approach December.

“You have a public service obligation to collaborate with the government to ensure security of gas supply.

“We need to therefore bend backwards and find solutions, to ensure that we have sufficient supply and stability in-country and that Nigerians have gas,” said Ekpo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) says it has made a robust plan for the supply of petroleum products sufficient to last beyond the ember months and the new year festivities.

The NNPC Ltd. said the supply of petroleum products, especially the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol, would last beyond the Yuletide and new year festivities.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari, said this when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Kyari, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communication Officer, NNPC Ltd. said by the creation of the National Assembly, NNPC was saddled with the responsibility of guaranteeing Nigeria’s energy security which was critical to national security.

“We have made a robust plan for the forthcoming end of the year festivities and beyond. We do not see any shortages in the petroleum products supply for the period,” the GCEO added.

While lauding the National Assembly for the critical role it played in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, Kyari said this legislative endeavour gave birth to a new commercially oriented National Oil Company, governed by the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) principles.

Kyari stated that with the passage of the PIA 2021, NNPC Ltd.’s profitability margins had significantly risen, growing from a loss position of N803 billion in 2018 to a profit position of N674 billion in 2021.

According to him, NNPC is targeting a profit increase of N2 trillion when the 2022 Audited Financial Statements (AFS) are released, and since July, 2023 the Company has started paying dividends to its shareholders.

He also said the NNPC was involved in the entire value-chain of the oil and gas business and controlled about 30 per cent of the nation’s petroleum downstream retail market.

He identified crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism as major challenges to the Company’s business.

Kyari further said the recent collaboration with the nation’s security services as well as third-party security contractors had been yielding results, mostly in the area of increased crude oil production.

The GCEO said NNPC was investing in several gas and power projects across the country, aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s power generation and industrialisation aspirations.

He assured that NNPC was working assiduously to revamp local refining of petroleum products and collaborating with indigenous refiners to ensure that Nigeria became a net exporter of petroleum products.

In his response, Akpabio assured the GCEO of the 10th Senate’s support.

Akpabio said the Nigerian Parliament appreciated the Kyari-led management for its commitment to ensuring robust petroleum products supply during the yuletide period.

“Nigerians always want to hear good news. We are glad that you have made robust plans to provide sufficient products supply this coming festive period and beyond,” Akpabio stated.

He also lauded the rehabilitation of the nation’s three refineries, saying that their restreaming would cause a multiplier effect on Nigeria’s economy, in line with this administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Yusuf Yunus

In a bid to accelerate development of alternative energy sources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has expressed its commitment to providing technical support for the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the country.

Mr Ahmed Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of the authority, said this at the ground breaking ceremony of Portland Gas Green Park in Lagos.

Farouk said that the authority would also ensure compliance with the laws guiding the midstream and downstream sector.

He said that the Portland Gas Ltd., has obtained approvals and also met the statutory milestones required to commence Compressed Natural Gas conversion (CNG) project.

Represented by Mr Ayo Cardoso, Coordinator South-West Region of the Authority, Farouk said that there were comparative advantages between the different energy particularly gas, designated as Nigeria’s transition fuel.

“The idea to setup a one-stop shop fusing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Electric Vehicle Charging services in one facility is a powerful testament to your unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

“In a world grappling with the consequences of climate change, towing the path to cleaner energy sources is not merely a choice, but a profound responsibility for every well-meaning establishment.

“This is because it also underscores the government’s resolve to reducing heavy carbon footprints, harmful emissions and mitigating the impact of traditional fossil fuels on our environment,” he said.

Farouk said the Authorith has been driving penetration of cleaner fuels through various initiatives and sensitisation programmes, one of which was nationwide stakeholders’ engagement.

He said that the sensitisation aimed at deepening the utilisation of CNG, LPG and other cleaner fuels for domestic and industrial purposes.

“So, this facility ticks all the boxes in compliance and alignment with the government’s energy transition policies and global best practices.

“Lagos, like many rapidly growing urban centers, faces the dual challenge of meeting the energy needs of a rapidly increasing population, while safeguarding the environment.

“The siting of this facility in Ojota is very strategic as it is positioned to make these important cost-effective alternative fuels readily available for both domestic and industrial users in the nearby communities,” he added.

Farouk said: “It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion- the groundbreaking ceremony for this pioneering venture.

“A facility designed for CNG, LPG and integrated with cutting-edge Electric Vehicle Charging services right here in Lagos State.

“As we break ground today, let it bring us closer to achieving a Lagos with cleaner air, where energy is more sustainable, cost-effective and where our vehicles run smoother with less wear and tear, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) has restated the association’s resolve to negotiate with the Federal Government on issues instead of embarking on strike.

Mr Lucky Osesua, the National Chairman of PTD, gave the assurance at a news briefing on Wednesday on the crisis rocking the association through its parent-union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

“Remember that one of our mantras is not to in any way work against the progressive and seamless policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, or be an attack dog to the Federal Government,” he said.

Osesua noted that in spite of the arrest of the top executive members of the PTD, the association had resolved to toe the line of peace, and not strike, on issues concerning its members.

It would be recalled that some members of the PTD, an affiliate of NUPENG, are kicking against the decision of the union to allegedly jettison the laid down guidelines governing smooth elections in order to impose leaders on them.

“My executive and I, assure you that we are free and granted bail by the respectable court of records, and we shall continue to keep to the terms of the bail and shall prove our innocence in no distant time.

“We call on all national executive members, both past and present, to unite and come together towards ensuring an amicable resolution and smooth sailing of the PTD, as without peace and unity, the association will not move forward.

“We humbly appeal to members to be calm and loyal, law-abiding and go about their daily business without fear of police harassment, intimidation from other security agencies, as my executive is working tirelessly to resolve the leadership crisis.

“Again, we appeal to you to sheathe your sword and not embark on a strike, as we are working and shall resolve the leadership tussle soon,” Osesua said.

According to him, time has come for petroleum tanker drivers to be liberated from all manner of intimidation, blackmail, rascality and unrealistic promises.

“This is a time for the PTD to stand on its own and focus on the primary objectives of the association, which are the delivery of petroleum products to all the states and locations within the federation.

“My team is ready to work with everyone and we offer an olive branch to the opposition to contribute their quota to the growth of PTD.

“PTD shall remain focused and drive its core objectives without causing commotion to the country’s economy or hardship to the people,” Osesua added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have threatened to exit its umbrella body, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), if its President Williams Akporeha and General-Secretary, Afoloabi Olawale, did not resign.

Mr Gbenga Olawale, an Ex-Officio of the PTD from Ibadan depot, said in a statement on Sunday that their members would begin a nationwide protest to press home their demand.

The statement directed PTD members across the country to move with leaves in front of their trucks to serve as a warning to NUPENG and police against interference and incessant harrassment of their leaders.

According to Olawale, Williams is not a member of NUPENG and as such lacks the competence to lead the union.

He alleged that Williams was drafted into petrol station workers of NUPENG (PSW) to enable him to contest election as NUPENG president which was a departure from the NUPENG constitution.

“Williams is not a worker or a pump attendant on record as at the time he was verifying for the president position,” the statement said.

Olawale further alleged that Williams planted his surrogates to collect all revenue of the union which were not used for the development of the union and tanker drivers.

He called for a fresh election as members of the PTD have decided to stand with Lucky Osusan and Dayyabu Garga to be the new NUPENG President and General-Secretary, respectively.

Olawale added that they decided to support Osusan and Garga because they have sacrificed so much to ensure that their members were free from all kinds of extortion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has urged media, stakeholders and the general public to maintain uniformity in the use of its brand name and logo.

A statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and the subsequent rebranding of the company, the old logo seized to represent the company.

“We also appeal for consistency and uniformity in the use of the company’s brand name which is NNPC Ltd, and not NNPCL or any other variant,” he said.

While urging the media, stakeholders and the general public, Soneye said the development followed the transition of NNPC Ltd from a corporation to a commercially focused limited liability company.

“Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act in keeping with the provisions of the PIA 2021 and the subsequent rebranding of the company, the old logo seizes to represent the company.

“We, therefore, appeal to all who may have any cause to use the NNPC Ltd.’s logo to use the new logo samples of which are attached to this press note”. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it operates anti-corruption philosophy and will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption in its dealings with other organisations.

The commission said as a creation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), it would remain committed, and be anti-corruption visible.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, said this on Thursday in Abuja at an anti-corruption and transparency guidelines sensitisation session for NUPRC staff by the Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He said the sensitisation would precede the setting up and inauguration of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the commission.

ACTU is an ICPC initiative approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001 to serve as an in-house mechanism to curb corruption and build an ethical institution.

The ICPC officials in attendance were led by Mr Adebayo Obaniyi, Acting Director, System Study and Review Department, ICPC.

Komolafe said the forum was convened to sensitise the commission on the requirements for compliance with anti-corruption guidelines by the ICPC prior to the inauguration of its committee.

“As a revenue generating organisation, we are open and transparent and imbibe anti-corruption principle, while collaborating with other agencies in our dealings.

“Under my watch, we will continue to be transparent and remain a corruption free organisation while collaborating with ICPC and other anti-corruption bodies,” he said.

Komolafe, while expressing enthusiasm to collaborate with ICPC charged all members of staff to continue to display zero tolerance for corruption.

In an address, Mr Goddy Ineh, Head, Servicom, NUPRC, said as a revenue generating agency of the government it was important that it complied with guidelines of the ICPC.

Ineh thanked the CCE who deemed it fit that the unit must be instituted, thereby expressing satisfaction with the transparency and anti-corruption unit.

In a lecture titled, “Essence, Structure and Role of ACTU in MDAs,” Obaniyi underscored the need for both management and staff to embrace the concept of ACTU and ensure its success.

He stated that for one to be an ACTU member, he or she must have attained some level of integrity because it served as the ICPC engagement platform for public sector.

“ACTU is not a tool for bullying staff, witch-hunting or rival to management but staff must be given attention when necessary.

“It guides management on due process in procurement, promotion and discipline, among others,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia to establish a robust framework for collaboration between the two nations in the oil and gas sector.

The MoU aims at promoting collaboration, information exchange and technology transfer, thereby creating a conducive environment for a mutually beneficial partnership.

The Federal Government, represented by he Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by its Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the MoU in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri said the MoU showed a significant stride towards fortifying bilateral ties and advancing mutual interests.

According to the minister, the MoU which is a testament to the shared commitment to fostering cooperation is aimed at facilitating technological exchange.

“One of the primary benefits anticipated from this landmark agreement is the facilitation of technological exchange.

“With Saudi Arabia boasting advanced technologies in oil and gas exploration and production, Nigeria stands to gain significantly from this knowledge transfer.

“The exchange of technical expertise is poised to elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s energy operations, ultimately contributing to increased production levels and global competitiveness,” he said.

According to him, this crucial national assignment aligns seamlessly with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ overarching objective of elevating production standards and technological advancements within Nigeria’s energy sector.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who signed on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressed optimism about the far-reaching impacts this strategic alliance would have on both countries’ energy landscapes.

The MoU is expected to attract substantial foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Saudi Arabia, being a key player in the global energy market, holds the potential to channel significant investments into Nigeria, thereby stimulating economic growth, job creation and infrastructural development.

According to the MoU, the influx of capital will not only bolster the petroleum industry but also have a cascading effect on various sectors of the economy, contributing to Nigeria’s overall economic prosperity.

It said both nations have agreed to work together on adopting and implementing best practices in environmental conservation, ensuring that oil and gas activities are conducted in an eco-friendly manner.

This reflects a shared vision for a greener and more sustainable energy industry, aligning with global efforts to address climate change and promote cleaner energy alternatives.

For the people of Nigeria, this MoU holds the promise of a brighter and more prosperous future. The anticipated increase in production levels will not only secure a more reliable energy supply but also contribute to reducing dependency on imports.

This, in turn, is expected to stabilise fuel prices and enhance energy security, providing tangible benefits to Nigerian households and businesses alike. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi