By Emmanuella Anokam

The Global transparency body, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), has scored the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) very high in its latest global assessment.

The EITI’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr Bady Baldé, made this known when he led an EITI delegation to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, in Abuja.

Baldé, in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, said the delegation’s visit was to communicate the group’s findings in its recent global assessment to the company.

He said that NNPC fared very well among companies in the same category, adding that only Equinox of Norway fared better than NNPC in the assessment.

He, however, said there was still room for NNPC to improve, adding that compliance with global EITI standards would help boost the company’s credibility.

The EITI boss also urged NNPC Ltd. to remain engaged to play an active role in its Nigerian unit, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Earlier, Kyari highlighted some of the key changes in the operations of the NNPC Ltd., since its transformation into a commercially focused limited liability company in 2021.

He acknowledged that the NNPC Ltd.’s partnership with EITI/NEITI had made it a much more reliable company.

He expressed disappointment with NEITI for going public with its report that NNPC Ltd. failed to remit some monies into the Federation Account instead of seeking clarification on any perceived gap in its assessment.

Kyari explained that NNPC Ltd was holding no public funds back.

He added that what NEITI reported as non-remittance was what was due to the company as payment for taking the burden of fuel subsidy on behalf of the Federal Government.

He disclosed that NNPC Ltd. would have released its Audited Financial Statement (AFS) for 2022 since June 2023 but could not do so because it had no substantive Board of Directors at that time.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, called for the reconstitution of the NNPC/NEITI Joint Committee on Reconciliation, adding that the committee could help in straightening grey areas. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) says it will unveil its 2022/2023 reports on oil, gas and solid minerals industries on Sept. 24.

Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said this at the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) media briefing in Abuja.

He said NEITI focuses more on content and that the two separate reports would be presented simultaneously to ensure current and globally acknowledged reliable data.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the international partner, EITI is on a mission to Nigeria to assess NEITI’s post validation plans and how to support the EITI implementation in Nigeria.

The international delegation was led by Dr Bady Balde, Deputy Executive Director, Global EITI Secretariat.

Orji said some local challenges, including time of resettlement affected the production of the reports, adding that the challenges had been sorted out and by September the reports would be published.

He said it received the delegation of its international partners, following the performance of Nigeria in the last EITI validation that was conducted, adding that the visit would feature knowledge sharing and capacity building, among others.

“Validation is a global assessment that holds all implementing countries to the same standard and Nigeria scored 72 per cent, excelled and recorded over 90 per cent in quality and reliability of data.

“Their visit is timely because we are trying to align our operations and mandates to the priorities and strategic development goals of the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration,” he said.

The executive secretary said the organisation also had engagement with the National Assembly on the review of the NEITI Act and received assurances that it would be taken seriously.

He said the idea was to align the NEITI Act with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) and the current economic realities of the government, which was focussing more on revenue.

“We have done an in-house review of that Act and are seeking legal opinion. Consultants are working on it, while we are working with the national assembly to see how to help us,” he said.

He said his management had looked at the EITI 23 standard agreed upon in Senegal and emerging issues in the global EITI, which included energy transition, contract transparency and beneficial ownership.

According to him, the issues also include open and accessible data, climate change and gender inclusiveness, environment and a number of areas where the law is deficient.

“We also want to see what could be done to make NEITI less dependent on government for funding.

“Also to see if there are windows where our reports which usually lead to recovery of huge revenue could aid in giving some soft landing in terms of supporting government for funding instead of relying wholly on government,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Balde had expressed dissatisfaction with the publication of old data, adding that timeliness of data was necessary to cover current relevant issues.

Balde said data publishing should not be delayed, adding that many countries had gone far in producing data in the public domain including Senegal, Zambia, Norway, among others.

Balde, while describing NEITI as the largest secretariat by staff in the world with twice the number of staff at its headquarters, called for more technical assistance, engagement and timely data publication to avoid speculation.

He urged the internal governance of NEITI to sustain its principle and uphold values by practicing what it preached and maintain highest level of transparency and credibility.

He supported the amendment of NEITI’s act to address the imperfections of the law. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo has restated the Federal Government’s commitment in supporting private sector investments geared towards unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential for the benefit of the economy and citizens.

Epko made this known on Friday in Abuja when he met with a delegation of promoters and top officials of the Brass Petrochemical and Gas Project to be located in Bayelsa State.

The delegation was led by its Managing Director, Chief Ben Okoye and the Chief Gas and Power Investment Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Dr Salihu Jamari.

Ekpo, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Louis Iboh, tasked the management of gas producer, SPDC JV, to work closely with  promoters of the Brass Petrochemical and Gas Project.

This, the minister said would ensure smooth supply of gas for the project in line with the aspiration of President Bola Tinubu on availability of feedstocks to drive gas based investments, commercialisation and industrialisation projects.

“The feeling of Mr President is that anything that has to do with gas production, commercialisation and industrialisation should be encouraged and given priority; I will like the two sectors to be more cordial,” Ekpo said.

Chief Ben Okoye, Managing Director of the Brass Methanol project, informed the Minister that the team had unbundled the gas and methanol components of the project to operate as separate projects.

He assured that once approval is gotten from the Board of Brass Petrochemical, things would kick-start by March this year, adding that everything about the project would be completed by the first quarter one 2027.

He said the gas pipelines had been designed to be expanded from Train one to Train three and even more on gas availability.

“Though the starting capacity for the Gas Plant would be 340 million standard cubic feet (mmscfd), the pipeline is designed to carry 980mmscf,’’ he said.

Mr Ed Ubong, the SPDC representative at the meeting, assured that they are fully committed to the project and fulfilling its gas supply obligations.

Former Minister of Information and Communications, Mr Frank Nweke, who is also on the board of the Brass Petrochemical project called for stronger political leadership from the government.

Nweke said stronger leadership would see the project through, given the inherent benefits of additional revenue generation to government coffers, forex availability and job creation to citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Nathan Nwakamma

A Communications Expert, Dr Charles Ebereonwu, has advocated ‘financial symbiosis’ between the academia and industries for rapid economic development of the country.

Ebereonwu, Country Communications Manager, Total Energies, spoke at Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, during an Industry-Academia Linkages Webinar.

He spoke on the topic, “The Role of Communication in Industry-Academia Collaboration’’, saying that academic communication and industry communication were distinct imperative for economic growth as well.

He added that, while academic communication emphasises theoretical foundations to expand knowledge, industry communication boosts practical activities for the achievement of results that meet corporate objectives.

Ebereonwu, who doubles as a scholar on entrepreneurship, advised the academia to adopt the strategies of effective communications beyond the confines of the ivory towers to solve salient problems in the country.

He noted that financial symbiosis between the two vital segments in Nigeria would bring about efficiency and pave way for rapid economic development.

According to him, financial symbiosis offers solutions to the gap between the academia and the industry to address the challenge of production of graduates that are not suitable for the labour market.

He explained that the collaboration would ensure that the funds deployed to retrain fresh graduates who lack functional industry skills could be used to support the academia to produce industry ready graduates.

Also speaking earlier, Dr Henry Adimula, Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, noted that the institute prioritises the collaboration with the oil and gas industry in its quest to produce skilled manpower for the sector.

Adimula, represented by Dr. Samuel Onoji, Vice Principal of PTI, noted that there was a wide gap between the academia and the industry in Nigeria.

He said that the PTI was adopting the collaboration with the oil industry curriculum development to positions its graduate for jobs in the oil and gas sector.

On her part, Dr Sarah Nwinee, Head, Linkages, Exchanges and Partnerships, PTI, noted that the webinar, the fourth in the series was aimed at deepening its relationship with oil industry experts.

She noted that the policy was responsible for the wide acceptance of PTI’s graduates in the labour market as the emphasis was on hands-on training producing work force which functions in the practical realms.

Nwinee noted that PTI has built lasting relationships with the industry and would continue to deepen the partnerships to develop graduates with industry specific skills for the oil and gas sector.

In a goodwill message, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, of the Emmanuel Egbogah Chair of Petroleum Engineering, University of Port Harcourt urged the academia in Nigeria to emulate their counterparts in Europe and America where the academia make meaningful economic impact to the society.

He advised PTI to establish innovation hubs to promote entrepreneurship amongst its students adding that effective communication was fundamental to successful industry-academia collaboration.

He noted that pitching of ideas for start-up was a desirable route to promote entrepreneurship with industry operators investing in promising concepts.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Isaac Aregbesola

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has intensified discussions with the Kingdom of Morocco to fast-track the process of achieving the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project.

The discussion held on the sidelines of a meeting between the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Ms Leila Benali.

It was anchored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC Ltd), Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye and the Director-General, Morocco National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Mme Benkhadra.

A statement issued by the NNPC Ltd Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Thursday in Abuja said the talks focused on how to drive the partnership between the two countries to accelerate the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project.

Soneye said the move was in line with the series of Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) signed between the two countries in Abuja in 2022.

He said both parties emphasised its strategic importance to the two countries and the entire African continent, and the need to drive toward its completion expeditiously in line with the objective of stemming energy poverty on the continent.

Recall that the Cooperation Agreement for the 48″ x 5,300km pipeline from Nigeria to Dhakia (Morocco) and 1,700km from Dhakia to Northern Morocco was signed in 2017.

It has a capacity of 30 billion cubic meter (bcm) per year (equivalent of 3.0 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day).

The pipeline would traverse Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and terminate in Morocco with a spur to Spain.

Due to the international nature of the project, the ECOWAS Commission is saddled with the responsibility to facilitate inter-governmental treaty and host government agreements, establishment of Pipeline Higher Authority and alignment with AU, UN and other international bodies.

The project, among other things, will help drive the monetisation of Nigeria’s gas resources, maintain NNPC Ltd.’s energy leadership in Africa, and promote economic and regional cooperation among African Countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had in Nov. 2023 received envoys from Morocco, led by its Ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ou Ali Tagma for a bilateral discussion on cooperation and commitment towards finalising the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has voiced concerns over the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s (SPDC) divestment deal, urging that it must prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, especially those in the host communities.

The Executive Director of NCSCN, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, SPDC’s decision to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary to Renaissance, has raised apprehensions about the potential environmental and social consequences of the transaction.

Akinlosotu emphasised the lingering challenges faced by communities in the South South region due to past oil exploration activities.

“This move serves as an unclean criminal getaway for the multinational corporation, leaving behind a legacy of environmental devastation, atrocities, and unresolved liabilities,” remarked Akinlosotu.

He pointed out that the completion of the transaction is pending approvals from the Federal Government and other conditions.

Akinlosotu called attention to serious issues related to abandonment, decommissioning, and relinquishment costs associated with aging assets and ongoing environmental disasters in the Niger Delta.

The Executive Director raised concerns about various court cases by stakeholders, farmers, and host communities against SPDC, suggesting that these issues might be overlooked through the divestment deals.

Akinlosotu appealed to the Federal Government to withhold approval of the deal until thorough visits are conducted to host communities, ensuring compliance with Nigerian and international laws on divestment, abandonment, and decommissioning.

“The bottom line of our position is, we say no to this divestment deal as currently being pursued by SPDC. Any attempt to proceed without satisfying the interest of the Nigerian people shall be met with stiff resistance”.

Akinlosotu pledged NCSCN’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the affected communities.

NAN recalls that Shell had reached an agreement to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, SPDC to Renaissance, a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group.

Renaissance is formed of ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith and Petrolin.

The SPDC JV holds 15 oil mining leases for petroleum operations onshore and 3 for petroleum operations in shallow water in Nigeria. It is operated by SPDC.

The company is still a major investor in Nigeria’s energy sector through its Deepwater and Integrated Gas businesses. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deborah Coker/Isaac Aregbesola

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has restated its commitment in partnering with genuine investors in unlocking the full potential of the country’s natural gas resource, for national growth and development.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this known in an address at the Americas Energy Summit and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Louis Ibah, the minister’s Spokesperson, quoted him in a statement on Thursday as saying that Nigeria was open for business and willing to partner foreign investors and countries with requisite technologies and experience in the development of the country’s hydrogen resource.

“We extend an invitation to international partners, stakeholders and investors to collaborate with us in unlocking the full potential of our natural gas resources.

“Recognising the importance of innovation and diversification in the energy sector, Nigeria actively explores opportunities in hydrogen production and deployment,” Ekpo said.

He further acknowledged hydrogen’s transformative potential in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable energy future.

“The Nigerian government is actively setting up the framework for a sustainable energy future.

“In this pursuit, we are seeking collaborations with countries that have developed expertise and capacity in hydrogen technologies.

“We believe that international partnerships are essential in fostering knowledge exchange and leveraging collective capabilities for the advancement of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy solution,” he added.

The conference had as its theme “The Role of Natural Gas, LNG & Hydrogen in Decarbonising Global Energy Markets”.

The Nigerian gas minister described the theme as not just timely, but also critical as the world explores sustainable solutions to combat the challenges of climate change.

According to him, international collaboration has become paramount, as the world confronts the challenges of climate change.

He explained that Nigeria was steadfast in its commitment to working closely with global partners to exchange knowledge, share best practices and collectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the dynamic energy landscape.

Ekpo said Nigeria had emerged as a key player in the global energy landscape, particularly in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector.

The minister said the government declared 2021 to 2030 as the “Decade of Gas” in Nigeria, an initiative that underscored a commitment to leveraging gas as a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to mitigating impact of climate change while meeting growing energy demands.

“As the 5th largest exporter of LNG, our nation plays a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of nations worldwide.

“The sustained growth of the LNG sector in Nigeria reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible energy production and supply,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Government says it is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment in the oil and gas sector following the decision of Shell Plc to sell its Nigerian onshore oil assets to a consortium of local companies

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), said this while speaking to a consortium of five Nigerian companies on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shell Plc has agreed to sell its Nigerian onshore oil business to a consortium of local companies for about 2 billion dollars, a historic shift in a crucial yet controversial part of the energy giant’s global operations.

If approved by the government, the deal would fulfill Shell’s long-term goal of extracting itself from a challenging operating environment in the Niger Delta.

Lokpobiri, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, emphasised that the Nigerian government will not impede legitimate business transactions in the oil and gas sector.

“On the part of the government, once we get the necessary documents, we will not waste time to give the necessary considerations and consent,” he said.

Responding to concerns about International Oil companies (IOCs) diversifying their onshore assets, the minister highlighted the positive aspects of the diversification.

According to him, Nigeria loses nothing as such moves create opportunities for indigenous companies with the capacity to acquire and professionally manage these assets, leading to increased profitability and the maximisation of their potential.

Addressing potential negative impacts on the country, Lokpobiri reassured that the diversification would not adversely affect Nigeria and emphasised government’s engagement with IOCs regarding the decommissioning of non-productive assets and abandonment issues.

The minister said that concerns raised by IOCs, particularly with Nigerian banks, have been addressed, assuring a safe environment for the handling of funds related to decommissioning and abandonment.

“As a government, we will adhere to the law without jeopardising legitimate businesses,” he added.

Responding to questions on preventing IOCs from diversifying their upstream operations, the Minister clarified that companies have not left their upstream deepwater assets.

He said instead, they were diversifying their onshore assets, creating opportunities for local companies with developed capacity and financing to acquire and profitably manage these assets.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing sector concerns, including insecurity and aging infrastructure, such as pipelines.

He highlighted ongoing engagements with companies to invest in pipeline technology and other critical infrastructures within the oil and gas value chain.

He however announced that the president has approved a licensing bid round, demonstrating the government’s dedication to initiating the process promptly. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Abigael Joshua

The UK-based leadership development firm, TEXEM, has lauded Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) for appointing a TEXEM alumnus and engineer, Abel Nsa, as Senior Technical Advisor.

In a statement by TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, on its website (www.texem.co.uk), she said in the dynamic world of leadership and organisational excellence, few individuals stand out as prominently as Nsa.

“Engr. Abel Nsa’s journey with TEXEM UK has been exceptional, marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Having participated in two of TEXEM’s flagship programmes, “Developing and Leading High-Performance Organizations for Superlative Results” in July 2018 and “Winning in Turbulent Times” held in July 2023, Engr. Nsa has exemplified the qualities that define authentic strategic leadership.

“His repeat participation in TEXEM’s programmes demonstrates his embrace of a growth mindset and illustrious pursuit of lifelong learning, which are quintessential requirements for thriving as a leader,” Lucas said.

She said that with a career spanning over 25 years in the public service, Nsa’s trajectory has been remarkable.

“He embarked on his professional journey in 1996 at the Department of Petroleum Resources, starting as Engineer – 1, and progressing through various roles.

“The roles included Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer, and Assistant Chief Engineer in the Engineering & Standards Division.

“Also as the Senior Technical Adviser to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Commission Chief Executive from October 2021 to May 2022,” Lucas said.

She said that Nsa provided strategic advisory services on industry issues, spearheaded high-impact industry engagements, and represented the Chief Executive at conferences.

“In his role as Head/Assistant Director at the Department of Petroleum Resources from January 1994 to October 2021, he facilitated the development of marginal fields.

“He administered domestic gas supply obligations and delivered the Gas Transportation Network Code, contributing to optimising the DPR’s service delivery and regulatory impact analyses on critical policies.

“A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the prestigious University of Lagos in 1991, Engr. Nsa further honed his expertise with double master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Natural Gas Engineering from the University of Lagos and Texas A&M University in 1998 and 2008, respectively,” Lucas said.

Nsa’s commitment to professional standards is evident through his certification as a Registered Engineer of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

Also, he holds the esteemed title of Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Nsa is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers.

His multidimensional approach to the industry is further demonstrated by his membership in the Nigerian Gas Association.

Nsa’s contributions to the industry were recognised with an Award for his significant role in the successful launch of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code by the Nigerian Gas Association in April 2023.

Before assuming his role as Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister, Nsa was the Director of the National Oil & Gas Excellence Centre from May 2022.

While congratulating Nsa, TEXEM UK’s founder, Nigerian-born Dr Alim Abubakre, said the appointee’s dedication to service is commendable and crucial in fostering good governance, paving the way for impactful nation-building initiatives.

“Please embrace this role as a profound opportunity to leave an enduring legacy. Your commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the greater good, elevating the service standards of humanity.

“You can weave a narrative of positive change and enduring impact in your new position.

“Your strategic leadership will be instrumental in steering the course towards a future marked by integrity and progress in the oil and gas industry and, by extension, Nigeria,” Abubakre said.

He said that in celebrating Engr. Nsa’s accomplishments, TEXEM UK, celebrates the spirit of continuous learning, resilience, and leadership that it aims to instil in every participant. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi