News Agency of Nigeria
PTDF screens 5,723 shortlisted candidates for 2025/2026 overseas scholarships
Oil & Gas

PTDF screens 5,723 shortlisted candidates for 2025/2026 overseas scholarships

By Emmanuella Anokam
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has begun screening of 5,723 shortlisted candidates nationwide for its 2025/2026 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for MSc and Ph.D award.
At the selection interview for the shortlisted candidates on Monday in Abuja, Mr Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary, PTDF, said 29,633 applications were received while 5,723 were shortlisted under a transparent process.
Aminu, represented by Mr Bello Mustapha, Deputy General Manager, Education and Training, PTDF, said it was charged with skills, competency and capacity building for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
He said the exercise, which aimed at assessing the suitability of the candidates, had been structured to efficiently deal with a high number of applicants and satisfy Federal Character principles.
Aminu, while describing the panelists as credible professionals drawn from academia and energy sector, said their expertise and recommendations would play a crucial role in identifying the most deserving candidates.
He said since 2000, the fund had engaged in various activities aimed at achieving its mandate, one key programme being the award of scholarship for overseas MSc’s and PhD’s.
He said in furtherance of PTDF’s commitment towards increased efficiency, minimising costs, and seeking more avenues for technology development, it sought and developed strategic partnerships in UK, France, Germany and Malaysia.
He said the beneficiaries of the PTDF scholarships would be offered the opportunity to study English-taught programmes at some of the best institutions in these countries.
“All PhD programmes in the UK under this scheme would be offered exclusively as split-site programmes in partnership with PTDF-owned College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, and three universities in the UK.
“Panel members are expected to evaluate candidates based on predetermined criteria, including academic performance, research potential, leadership qualities, and personal suitability for overseas studies.
“It is necessary to reiterate the need for absolute professionalism and integrity of all parties in the conduct of the exercise. Failure to adhere strictly to this may lead to disqualification.
“You will be expected to score applicants’ credential, research proposals or statements of purpose, and professional memberships in accordance with the provided templates,” he said.
Speaking, Mrs Bolanle Kehinde-Agboola, Head, Overseas Scholarship Scheme, PTDF, said the interview selection from the 5,723 shortlisted candidates would hold at six designated centres in six geopolitical zones in the country.
Kehinde-Agboola said the scheme had been on for about 25 years and over the years PTDF had been known for its integrity, rigorous transparency and fairness in the award of the scholarship across the country.
“When the application window opens, we already have a system in place electronically that will allocate points based on the information that the students applied, and the points are located.
“And after that is done, we physically cross check the information, shortlist based on our criteria that we have already set, then we have the oral interview, like what we are having today,” she said.
According to her, the PTDF received 29,633 applications and 5,723 are shortlisted, while the scholarship award would be based on PTDF management’s decision.
She said the fund considered Management and Law courses asides the petroleum related field courses being offered because of its supporting field in the oil and gas industry.
Some of the candidates also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the opportunity to be selected for postgraduate studies abroad and pledged to utilise the advancement properly if successful.
Mr Usman Awolerimi, a lawyer, who applied to read International Commercial Law under the MSc category at the University of Nottingham, described the process as professional and optimistic, expressing optimism to be awarded.
Miss Elohor Ewherido, who applied for an MSc. International Business Management, said the whole process had been transparent and clear, and hoped that the outcome of the interview would be successful.
Mr Oluwatobi Emmanuel, an Electrical Electronics Engineer, said he got to know about the scholarship through PTDF’s X official handle and website, then seized the opportunity and applied then was selected.
“I did not encounter any challenges while applying. The whole process was seamless and I am very happy to be selected, hoping to be selected for MSc. Energy and Sustainable Engineering in Technical University of Munich, Germany,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
FG to settle outstanding gas obligations
Oil & Gas

FG to settle outstanding gas obligations

By Yunus Yusuf

The Federal Government says it plans to settle all outstanding debts owed to gas producers, including long-standing legacy debts.

 

Mr Abel Nse, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), disclosed this during a panel session organised by Sahara Group on Friday in Lagos.

 

The event, with the theme, “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future”, aimed to foster dialogue around the continent’s energy needs.

 

Nse stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant ministries and agencies to prioritise the resolution of the debt issue.

 

“The Federal Government is committed to gradually offsetting the outstanding debts.

 

“Additionally, we are addressing critical areas such as gas pricing, gas flare penalties, legacy debt, gas infrastructure, supply receivables, and LPG availability, to encourage upstream investment and drive sectoral progress,” Nse said.

 

He emphasised that the government was working diligently to promote gas utilisation as part of its broader mandate to stimulate domestic commerce and industrialisation.

 

“It’s a wake-up call for Nigeria to optimise gas resources effectively. Gas has the potential to transform the sector and drive progress,” he added.

 

On the issue of gas flaring, Nse noted that no upstream operator wanted to tinker with the low incentive costs associated with gas flaring penalties.

 

“Currently, gas flaring in Nigeria has dropped to less than one per cent, a notable achievement. However, the government cannot finance projects that are not bankable,” he said.

 

Mrs Ijeoma Isichei, Head of Business Development (Gas) at Sahara Group, described gas as a sustainable and effective bridge fuel.

 

She emphasised that gas utilisation promotes industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth, while improving access to energy for underserved populations.

 

Similarly, Mariah Lucciana-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, echoed these sentiments.

 

She highlighted gas as a cleaner, sustainable energy source, noting that Nigeria possesses commercial volumes of gas capable of supporting industrial development.

 

“We have enough gas to support Nigeria’s energy transition. It’s crucial that we remain focused to develop an optimal energy mix for the future,” Lucciana-Gabriel said.

 

She also stressed the importance of Nigeria tailoring its energy solutions to local realities.

 

Also, Mr Mobolaji Sumonu, Lead, Upstream at Fidelity Bank Plc, raised concerns about the limited investments in the gas sector.

 

He pointed out that many gas-related projects were not bankable, making it difficult for financial institutions to support them.

 

“To attract funding, projects must be viable. Insecurity, poor infrastructure, and lack of financing remain key challenges to gas development,” Sumonu noted.

 

Mr Adeola Yusuf, Lead at Platform Africa, expressed concerns about the strained relationship between operators and the media.

 

He called for greater mutual understanding and uncensored collaboration.

 

Yusuf also criticised the government’s slow progress in addressing gas flaring and ensuring domestic access to gas.

 

“It’s alarming that about 80 per cent of Nigerian women still lack access to domestic gas.

 

“The government must take gas flaring seriously and impose stricter penalties to avoid losing trillions of Naira in wasted resources,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

AKK gas pipeline project progressing – FG
Oil & Gas

AKK gas pipeline project progressing – FG

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Rita Shekwolo Iliya
The Federal Government says the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, a major strategic infrastructure project to boost industrialisation, is progressing steadily.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in Minna, Niger State.
Idris was speaking at the quarterly meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) with Commissioners of Information from All Progressives Congress (APC) governed states.
The meeting with the theme, “Strategic Communication and Policy Alignment” was organised by the Forum under the leadership of its Director-General, Mr Folorunso Aluko.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu is prioritising strategic investment in energy and infrastructure to uplift the country’s industrial base and put it on global map of industrialised country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the AKK gas pipeline project is a major Nigerian infrastructure project designed to transport natural gas across the country.
It is a 614km, 40-inch pipeline that will connect Ajaokuta in Kogi to Kano, with intermediate stops in Abuja and Kaduna.
“There is sustained momentum behind the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, which has now crossed the River Niger.
“The AKK Gas Pipeline is progressing steadily alongside the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline project, both of which form integral components of the Trans-Nigeria Pipeline Project.
“The President has demonstrated unwavering commitment to energy, security and economic inclusion especially in the northern part of the country with the renewal of key licences for the Kolmani Integrated Oil Development Project in Bauchi State,” he said.
The minister added: “Other inaugurated projects like the ANOH and AHL Gas Processing Plants will supply over 500 million standard cubic feet of gas daily; a 25 per cent increase in domestic supply, energising homes, industries, and innovation hubs.
“The groundbreaking of five mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta by NNPC and private investors will bolster Nigeria’s energy mix and provide affordable energy for industrial and domestic use.
“The administration has also mainstreamed Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) into our energy strategy, attracting over $500 million in private investment, with massive opportunities for state governments in mass transit and industry”.
The minister also identified various achievements of the Tinubu-led administration in the areas of empowerment, access to capital, students loan, regional and local development, sector-specific growth drivers and skills, youth, and innovation.
Idris said that the Tinubu’ administration is keeping faith with Nigerians and charged participants at the meeting to translate that faith into hope and action at the grassroots.
“It is our duty, as information managers, to ensure that the citizens of this country, across all the states of the federation, not only know about these reforms and programmes but also understand how to access and benefit from them.
“We are making huge investments in public information and communication infrastructure across the country,
“We are retooling the National Orientation Agency for greater community engagement and ramping up national campaigns on thematic areas that align,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the Governor of Niger, Alhaji Umaru Bago, said that Nigerians are witnessing a silent revolution and coordinated wave of people’s focused governance.
“But this progress must never be left to speak for itself.
“In a world shaped by perception, platforms, and public discourse, strategic communication is the oxygen of sustainable leadership.
“This is why your presence here as Honourable Commissioners for Information is not just significant, it is foundational.
“You are the stewards of our stories, the defenders of our truths, and the architects of the trust between government and citizens,” Bago said.
NAN reports that Bago was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government of Niger, Alhaji Abubakar Gawu.
Aluko, the forum D-G, in his remarks said a key highlight of the meeting is the proposed Federal Government-PGF Media Policy and Strategic Synergy.
According to him, the policy is a groundbreaking framework designed to institutionalise media alignment between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the APC governed states under the auspices of PGF.
“This initiative seeks to harmonise our communication efforts through the establishment of a Joint Media Coordination Platform.
“The platform is a unified national communication calendar, a shared media content repository and rapid mechanism for managing high-impact narratives,” Aluko said.
NAN reports that the event brought together Commissioners of Information and Strategy from the APC governed states in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Rotimi Ijikanmi
Document your stewardship – Shettima urges public officials
Oil & Gas

Document your stewardship – Shettima urges public officials

By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday in Abuja, urged former and serving public officials to summon the courage to document their life and stewardship in service.
Shettima made the call at the public presentation of a book titled, “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,” written by a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
“Each of us who has had the privilege of serving this country owes the people an account of our stewardship.
“Our stories are not ours alone. They belong to the nation. They belong to history,” he said
According to the Vice President, public servants live under perpetual scrutiny, as life itself is a litigation with no end and no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice.
The Vice President emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public service.
He also emphasised that public service must be remembered, scrutinised, and preserved as part of national history.
Shettima described the culture of secrecy in Nigeria’s public institutions as a form of silence that must be broken.
“There is silence to preserve relationships. There is silence to protect secrets too delicate to disclose. And there is silence for memories we would rather forget.
“But as a generation of leaders, we must summon the courage to document our journeys,” he said.
Recalling the highly litigious (Oil Prospecting Licence 245) OPL 245 deal, Shettima said the book serves as an access card to the next phase of hearings in the court of public opinion.
He described Adoke’s personal reflections in the book as courageous, saying the former minister’s claim of being “bloodied but unbowed” will resonate with anyone who has walked the corridors of power in Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that those named in this book will tell their own side of the story. That, indeed, is how history finds its balance.
“Every witness must speak. Every accused person must speak. Every participant must speak.
“Life itself is a litigation with no end. There is no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice. There is no permanent discharge in the reckoning of history.
“We are always being summoned—not by a judge, but by conscience and by posterity,” he said.
The Vice-President emphasised the need for public officials to see themselves as custodians of national memory.
He stressed that the importance of storytelling is not in perfection, but in the necessity of preserving the truth for future generations.
“The courts may close. The headlines may fade. The official records may be revised. But the conscience of a nation never adjourns.
“In that eternal courtroom, we are all on trial—not only for what we did, but for what we dared to remember. For what we dared to reveal. And for what we dared to pass on.
“This culture of accounting for our place in history shall remain our solemn pact until we draw our final breath. It is a duty that binds us to one another and to the generations yet unborn. “
Former President Goodluck Jonathan applauded the author’s wisdom, courage and doggedness in the face of intimidation and blackmail.
He described the public presentation of the book as a celebration of victory over deliberate persecution.
Represented by former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Jonathan cautioned politicians against recklessness and abuse of office.
He urged all public office holders to always commit to the virtues of justice, fairness and service to humanity.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state commended the commitment and hard work of the author in chronicling his account of stewardship as Attorney General of the Federation.
Makinde noted that beyond contextualising the disputed OPL 245, the book x-rays broader issues of institutional, governance and justice framework in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He said the public presentation of the book will, among other things, emphasise the need for policy reforms and the reinvigoration of the culture of documentation in public service.
According to the governor, it is essential ingredients of national development.
The author of the book, Adoke (SAN), said the motivation behind writing the book was not to denigrate any individual or group, but to set the records straight.
He said the book provides insights into the issues surrounding the 1.3 billion dollars Nigerian Oil Bloc transaction.
He said he had forgiven the individuals and organisations that played active roles in the saga that caused significant damage to his person, family and business.
He reiterated that he remains unwavering in his belief and commitment to the Nigerian project and its success.
Adoke called for holistic reforms in the Nigerian justice and public service systems to forestall a recurrence of his unfortunate experience.
While reviewing the book, former Special Adviser to ex-President Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, agreed with the author that the book is, indeed, therapeutic.
He stressed that the book actually needed to be written to set the records straight for posterity.
“The focus is on the OPL245, in an extensive and comprehensive account of the allegations about his role, the burden he has actually endured.
“The burden of what he called clinical persecution, or “the lies and lies and more lies” that were told against him and his eventual vindication.
“Adoke’s OPL 245 is, by his own admission, therapeutic – a book that needed to be written to set the record straight for posterity and to clear his name through a documentation of facts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
Audit report: N210trn yet to be accounted for by NNPCL – Senate
Oil & Gas , Politics

Audit report: N210trn yet to be accounted for by NNPCL – Senate

By Kingsley Okoye

The Senate on Thursday clarified that the alleged N210 trillion financial infraction raised against Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the 2017-2023 audit report had yet to be accounted for by the company.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Sen. Aliyu Wadada, made the clarification at the resumed hearing of the committee on the 2017-2023 Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation’s audit on expenditure of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Wadada maintained that NNPCL did not account for the said fund as raised by the reports, contrary to media reports that the money had been stolen by the company.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee had, at the investigative session with management of NNPCL on June 26, directed the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, to appear before it on July 10.

Ojulari’s appearance, the senate said, was to enable him to account for the fund and answer other queries raised against NNPCL in the audit report.

NAN reports that based on the directive, the committee, at the resumed hearing on Thursday, did not allow NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Dapo Segun, to make any presentation on Ojulari’s behalf.

The NNPCL GCEO was said to have travelled for Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in Vienna, Austria.

The committee, via its chairman, therefore, directed Ojulari to appear before it unfailingly on a date to be communicated, to explain the alleged financial infractions and other queries raised against NNPCL.

Wadada, before making the declaration, clarified that the committee did not have anything against anyone in NNPCL, but was only discharging its constitutional duty of making Nigeria work by investigating how public funds were expended by MDAs.

“I don’t have anything against anybody in NNPCL, just as other members of the committee, but we are just carrying out our constitutional mandate of ensuring probity and accountability in the spending of public funds.

“NNPCL, as clearly stated in the audit report of 2017 to 2023, must account for the N210 trillion financial infraction.

“This committee never said NNPCL stole the money but it is requesting it to account for the fund.

“The GCEO of NNPCL must appear before this committee to give account and offer explanation on other queries raised,” he said.

NAN reports that Sen. Abdul Ningi had earlier accused NNPCL of taking the committee for granted with recurring absence of its GCEO from important sessions.

“It is very disturbing and unacceptable for the GCEO of NNPCL to dishonour this committee’s invitation for his appearance again.

“He has never appeared before this committee since his appointment, which is really disturbing.

“Invitation for his appearance before the committee was sent to him before the OPEC meeting.

“As far as we are concerned, he is supposed to use his discretion on where to be here today, which should be before the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He must appear before this committee as directed,” Ningi said.

Also, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole frowned at NNPCL GCEO’s persistent failure to appear before the committee.

“Nobody is bigger than the country, and anybody who feels so has no business in government.

“NNPCL GCEO should make good use of the window of invitation for appearance being offered him now before the door is shut against him.

“The committee is not appealing but ordering him to appear before it which, in his own interest, must be obeyed,” Oshiomhole said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/’Wale Sadeeq

NEMA cautions A’Ibom residents on scooping petrol from crashed tankers
Oil & Gas

NEMA cautions A’Ibom residents on scooping petrol from crashed tankers

By Isaiah Eka
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is taking proactive measures to educate residents on the dangers of scooping petrol from crashed tankers in Akwa Ibom.
Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, the state’s Head of Operations, NEMA, made the remark at a one-day Public Awareness Programme on Tanker Accident and Fire in Uyo on Thursday.
She said that the sensitisation had become imperative in order to prevent tanker-related accidents and fatalities in the state.
“Today’s event is a vital step towards reducing the devastating impact of tanker-related and articulated vehicle disasters in our communities.
“‎Tanker accidents and fires have become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, leading to loss of lives, properties, livelihoods and environmental damage,” she said.
Aisueni reminded the people of recent incidents of a fuel tanker explosion in Niger that killed 59 persons and another in Jigawa which claimed over 100 lives.
She warned that scooping petrol from crashed tankers could trigger catastrophic fires, endangering lives and property as it is highly flammable.
According to her, the agency is taking a proactive approach to educate the public on the risks associated with fuel scooping, emphasising that it is both illegal and hazardous.
She identified poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, overloading, road infrastructure challenges and lack of public awareness on emergency response as major causes of tanker accidents.
Aisueni emphasised that disaster prevention was a shared responsibility and urged residents to prioritise safety and avoid actions that could endanger lives.
She urged residents of the state to report any tanker accidents or unsafe tanker operations to the authorities immediately for prompt action.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Joseph Otu, expressed delight for the awareness campaign by NEMA.
Otu said that NUPENG had been consistent with the training of its workers.
He added that the organisation had fabricated tankers carrying petroleum products in such a way that prevented leakage if accident occurred. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
Nigeria’s oil rig count hits 46 – NUPRC
Oil & Gas

Nigeria’s oil rig count hits 46 – NUPRC

By Emmanuella Anokam
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the nation’s oil production rig has risen from eight in 2021 to 46 in July, 2025.
Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of a media workshop organised for journalists covering the oil and gas sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rig count is a key metric for measuring vibrancy and performance in the oil and gas industry.
The rig count which is a key equipment on which the oil is drilled reveals the level of vibrancy and the activities in the industry.
According to the commission’s data, about 46 active rigs are driving the current oil production in Nigeria.
Komolafe, however, attributed the steady growth in the rig count to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) enactment in 2021, and the commission’s commitment geared towards increasing oil production in the country.
He said the NUPRC, through its Project One Million Barrels initiative, had scaled up Nigeria’s oil production from one million barrels per day, oscillating around 1.7 million barrels.
The NUPRC boss said the initiative which was inaugurated in Oct. 2024, was expected to increase oil production by one million additional units per year, adding that about 300,000 barrels of oil per day has been achieved since the inauguration of the programme.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the Executive Orders 40, 41, and 42, which encouraged tax incentives and tax remission as well as redefined the contracting circle and the threshold in the industry.
Komolafe said the 2024 Executive Orders: 40 on fiscal incentives, 41 on local content, and 42 on cost efficiency and contract timelines, had catalysed massive investment inflows.
“These have yielded positive results in terms of the Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) that have attracted huge amounts of money, billions of dollars to the country,” he said.
He urged the media practitioners to report the commission activities professionally in such a way that Nigerians would appreciate and understand its operations.
“As a regulator, we are wrongly perceived, often times people fail to understand the difference between a regulator and an operator.
“As a regulator, our activities put us in a quasi-judicial position, in position to mediate, it is an omnibus job,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
NOG: Indigenous companies seek shorter procurement cycle, enabling environment
Oil & Gas

NOG: Indigenous companies seek shorter procurement cycle, enabling environment

By Emmanuella Anokam

Some indigenous oil and gas companies are seeking an enabling environment and shorter procurement cycle to actualise more sanctioned projects and quick implementation for economic development.

The companies made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja at the just concluded 24th annual Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week.

The NOG 2025 had its theme as “Accelerating Global Energy Progress through Investment, Partnerships and Innovation’’.

Mr Ayodele Adesina, Business Development Manager, IGPES Group, decried long project procurement cycle being experienced in the sector.

Adesina said that shorter cycle indicated more efficient and cost-effective process.

“The major challenge that I see, which the current administration is working harder to address, is the procurement cycle.

“We need more projects to be sanctioned to spur activities in the industry.

“Once one project is finishing, we need another project that we can roll over so that people can be employed. That can also contribute to the economy,” he said.

According to him, more projects need to be sanctioned.

“There are projects we have been hearing for a long time in the industry, we want these projects to get approved and move forward.

“For instance, Bonga South West is a project that has been in the industry for a very long time, Zabazaba deep-water oil and gas project is another one.

“I am aware that the current government is working to see that these projects come to fruition and become viable projects for participation,’’ he said.

Adesina said that as an indigenous oil and gas company, IGPES had contributed largely to some notable projects, such as NLGN Train Seven and Bonga North oil and gas projects.

He expressed the commitment of IGPES, as well as its readiness and capability to deliver value.

“The conference availed us opportunity to showcase our capability. 99 per cent of our management staff are Nigerians, we employ skilled Nigerians and they are well remunerated.

“We procure items in accordance with the act that requires us to buy things from accredited Nigerian vendors, or companies that have representation in Nigeria where Nigerian vendors are unavailable.

“In a quantifiable manner, we have contributed to Nigerian content, making sure that Nigerians are employed, trained and well represented at the management level and procuring items from Nigeria,’’ he said.

Mr Emmanuel Uwakwe, Technical Sales Representative, Navante Oil and Gas Company Ltd., called for friendly policies and enabling environment to boost indigenous companies.

Unakwe urged the Federal Government to introduce friendly policies and ensure that indigenous companies were given first hand treatment compared to foreign companies.

“The government should look into proper enabling environment for indigenous companies to thrive.

“In terms of engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance, we currently have some facilities operating.

“We have the offshore and landed facility called OML 11/11, we are also into exploration and have our marginal field and about to commence oil exploration by the end of 2025,’’ he said.

Mr Mohammed Zubairu, Regional Manager, Greenville LNG Co. Ltd. described the conference as an avenue for professionals to showcase opportunities.

Zubairu called for enabling environment and infrastructure development, especially in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) space, to spur industrialisation and alternative energy for automobiles.

“We are also rolling out 70 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations nationwide, which will be servicing automobiles, including tricycles, commercial vehicles and trucks that carry fuels.

“Initially there had been fear about the safety of CNG and LNG usage.

“But those fears have been allayed because people are adopting this fuel and can see how reliable and safe CNG is,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Edo unveils 50 women mechanics trained in CNG vehicle conversion
Oil & Gas

Edo unveils 50 women mechanics trained in CNG vehicle conversion

By Nefishetu Yakubu

No fewer than 50 women mechanics in Edo have received certification after a specialised training on converting petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the training was sponsored by Mrs Sandra Aguebor, Founder of Lady Mechanic Initiative, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and Edo Government.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday in Benin, Aguebor said the 50 graduates would significantly boost manpower for converting petrol vehicles to environmentally friendly CNG-powered engines.

She said the theme of the event “CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry” highlighted women’s expanding role in the male-dominated sector.

Aguebor, Nigeria’s first lady mechanic, said that Edo women mechanics could convert petrol vehicles to CNG following their training and successful graduation from the Lady Mechanic Initiative.

She said that so far, the Lady Mechanic Initiative had trained more than 6,000 women across 20 states, with certified coordinators supporting the programme.

Aguebor explained that the initiative was to empower women and girls, as well as promoting economic prosperity for families, especially vulnerable women in society through skill development.

She added that the initiative also provided mentorship and counselling, further supporting the girl child and encouraging women’s sustained success in mechanics.

“All beneficiaries have been trained and certified as CNG conversion technicians,” she said.

Aguebor commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo and the Federal Government for their vital support and commitment to the women empowerment initiative.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, described the event as a historic milestone symbolising bold policies empowering courageous Nigerian women with critical skills and platforms.

She said the graduation was proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda was working, equipping women to actively shape Nigeria’s industrial and energy landscape.

“This programme integrates women centrally into Nigeria’s clean energy transition, not as passive beneficiaries, but as leaders driving innovation and transformation,” the minister said.

Okpebholo, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, commended Edo’s leadership in setting unmatched standards and urged public support for women achieving greatness independently.

“We must celebrate women’s achievements without crediting men; women can succeed solely on their efforts and contributions,” he said.

He said that Edo was empowering women because their participation significantly boosted the state’s GDP when given equal opportunities as men.

Earlier, the Director General, NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin, said that the initiative was technically and economically feasible because Nigeria was naturally endowed with abundance of natural gas deposits.

“It is imperative that Nigeria must leverage on its natural gas resource and transform it to an energy that will drive the automotive wheels of Nigeria,’’ Osanipin said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

TotalEnergies to unveil new gas field project in Nigeria by 2026
Oil & Gas

TotalEnergies to unveil new gas field project in Nigeria by 2026

By Emmanuella Anokam

The TotalEnergies Limited says it will unveil its shallow water 70,000 barrels per day (bpd) Ima gas field project in Nigeria by 2026.

The Country Chairman/Managing Director, TotalEnergies Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, disclosed this in Abuja at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week 2025.

Speaking at a strategic panel session tagged “Pragmatically Achieving Energy Abundance’’, Bouyer said the project would feed the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), one of the largest LNG plants in the world.

Bouyer said the company was committed to increasing oil and gas production in a sustainable manner.

“Ima is another gas-field project offshore, which we intend to unveil in the coming year.

“It is a 70,000 barrels per day field; so that is already 140 barrels per day to accumulate by the two gas projects.

“So that is significant; NLNG is one of the largest plants in the world, and today I think it is starting to get more gas.”

He said the company had been careful of emissions while growing energy.

“We have been investing significantly in the past 15 years in Nigeria with a big project such as Egina, OML 13/2018, Ikike OML 99/2022, and Akpo West OML 130/2009, which we started in 2024.

“And we have been drilling continuously up to this time on our deep offshore in the past two and a half years.

“So, the commitment to the country is undeniable, and we believe in Nigeria, in the resources, in the country, and we believe that there is a great future in Nigeria.

“In 2024, we inaugurated the Ubeta OML 58 project; Ubeta is a significant gas lag field onshore, which will supply gas to Nigeria Liquefied NG, and to the domestic market.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ubeta project within the OML 58 concession is designed for processing subsequent export to NLNG and domestic gas parties through the Obite-Ubeta-Rumuji (OUR) or Gas Transmission System -1 (GTS) pipelines.

Bouyer described the Ubeta Field as significant as it would produce more or less 70,000bpd.

He added that its Final Investment Decision (FID) showed a clear demonstration of good rule and regulation in place in the country.

“So, by doing this, we demonstrate the commitment, and we are of course keen to go all over the chain, up to NLNG.

“We have more, and to be able to unlock this more, we need to demonstrate this competitiveness,’’ he said.

He thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for exhibiting the trust in them.

The managing director said the company had been active in the exploration sphere, and that two years ago made a discovery called ENTPON, an oil discovery which it made on the offshore, and currently progressing and maturing the assessment.

He said it deployed technology to achieve less emission, as it was the first company in Nigeria to stop all routine gas flaring.

Mr Adewale Fayemi, Managing Director, TotalEnergies Renewable DG Nigeria, highlighted the roles of renewables in the future energy mix.

He called for national electrification plans with clear commercial priorities and independent regulators without political obstructions.

Fayemi, represented by Omotayo Hassan, General Manager, Renewables, TotalEnergies Renewable DG Nigeria, said that the firm focused on the off-grid solar power generation.

He called for the creation of enabling business environment.

“We need to have national electrification plans that have clear commercial priorities because that drives investor confidence; the reality is that investors go to places where they can get their money back.

“The regulator has to be independent, without any political influence or political obstruction.

“It is important that the community, gender, young people are interested in the projects that you do because it provides resilience for those projects.

“We need to strongly look at long-term local currency financing. It is a must. Forex issues have always been a problem, and that has to happen.

“Fragmentation chases away investors; so, that is also something that needs to be dealt with,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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