By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the extension of the deadline for the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents for the 2024 oil block licensing round.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), NUPRC, announced the extension in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Komolafe said the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024 had been extended by 10 days, and would now close on July 5, 2024.

According to him, the data access, data purchase, evaluation, bid preparation and submission initially scheduled to open on July 4 and close on Nov. 29, will now start on July 8 and close on Nov. 29, 2024 as previously scheduled.

He said all other dates in the published 2024 Licencing Round Schedule remained the same unless otherwise communicated.

“In pursuit of the Commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the Commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities.

“This is to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector,” he said.

Komolafe said that as a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the Commission had added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round.

He said that further details on the blocks could be found on the bid portal.

“In accordance with the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS & PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001.

“Bidders are hereby advised to bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units; it is optional,” the statement quoted Komolafe as saying.

Recall that some deep offshore blocks and other blocks which cut across onshore, were put on offer for the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round.

Continental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.

In order to vacate entry barriers, the Commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, in line with his determination to create enabling and attractive investment regimes in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Tinubu who is also the Petroleum Minister had approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for award of the acreages.

“Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.

”Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunity to bid for the assets.

”All blocks in the 2022/2023 and 2024 Licencing Rounds are available to all interested investors on br.nuprc.gov.ng and br2024.nuprc.gov.ng respectively.

“And the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round registration phase is reopened to new applicants.

“The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise,” the statement also quoted Komolafe as saying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo says the path to a sustainable energy future requires partnership, innovation, and a shared commitment to addressing global energy challenges.

Ekpo said this at a reception hosted by the Nigerian High Commission in Alberta, Calgary, Canada, where he is attending the ongoing Global Energy Show.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a copy of Expo’s speech was made available to newsmen in Abuja by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah.

The minister of state described the Global Energy Show as a platform where the brightest minds and influential leaders in the energy sector converge to brainstorm on sustainable pathways.

He said the gathering offered an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s immense potential in the global energy landscape, particularly in the gas sector.

“We welcome Canadian businesses and investors to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities.

“Our government is dedicated to ensuring a stable and conducive environment for investments, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and mutual benefit.

“Nigeria is blessed with one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, and is committed to harnessing this resource not only as a catalyst for economic growth, but as a vital component of its energy transition strategy,” Ekpo said.

The minister said in the past few years, the Nigerian government has made substantial strides in creating an enabling environment for investment in the gas sector.

He said initiatives such as the Decade of Gas had been inauguratedto transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030.

He also said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 established the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).

This, he said provided a strategic framework to remove bottlenecks, incentivise investments and foster a conducive environment for gas infrastructure development.

Ekpo urged private sector investors to see Nigeria as a destination of their choice, highlighting their importance in the journey towards the country’s energy security and sustainability.

“Let us foster deeper connections, share knowledge, and pave the way for a future where our energy collaboration leads to mutual prosperity and a sustainable world,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government says establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) represents a bold and strategic move towards ensuring energy security, fostering economic growth and promoting sustainable development across Africa.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), made this known at a dinner with Heads of Mission of African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) Member Countries on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting with the envoys was a step further in the Federal Government’s bid to host Africa’s first energy bank and to convince them on why the facility should be located in Nigeria, the Africa’s biggest oil producer.

The idea of the bank was floated to ensure long-term energy efficiency and security for Africa following the hesitation of the West to continue to invest in fossil fuels on the continent.

Lokpobiri explained that Nigeria’s bid to host the bank’s headquarters was a testament to its unwavering commitment to these goals, adding that over the past months, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources had worked tirelessly to prepare for the moment.

“We have achieved significant milestones, including a comprehensive assessment by the APPO Afrexim-Bank inspection team. Their positive evaluation underscores Nigeria’s readiness and capability to host the AEB.

“However, the journey does not end here. To secure the hosting rights, we need the collective support of all APPO Member Countries. Our competitors have intensified their efforts by appointing Special Envoys to lobby for their bids.

“In response, we are appealing to each of you to recognise the advantages of situating the AEB headquarters in Nigeria. Nigeria offers a strategic geographical location, robust infrastructure and a dynamic energy sector,” he said.

According to the minister who described the dinner as not just a gathering, but a call to action, Nigeria is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that will enable the AEB to thrive and achieve its mandate effectively, explaining.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Ella, said that Nigeria’s strategic location at the crossroads of West Africa rendered Abuja an unrivaled nexus of connectivity and accessibility.

Ella said that with Abuja’s extensive network of transportation infrastructure and logistical capabilities, it offered a strategic gateway to the entire African continent, providing the bank with unparalleled access to key energy markets and decision-makers across Africa.

He said that Nigeria’s proactive approach to regulatory reform had also positioned the country as a paragon of stability and transparency within the global energy landscape.

“Nigeria’s rich endowment of oil, gas, and renewable energy resources present an unparalleled opportunity for the bank to harness the continent’s vast energy potential and drive sustainable development,” he said.

He said that Nigeria’s burgeoning renewable energy sector, characterised by abundant solar and wind resources, held an immense promise for powering Africa’s future.

According to him, with huge oil and gas reserves, Nigeria seeks to leverage its energy wealth to catalyse innovation, investment, and economic diversification across the continent, ensuring energy security and resilience for generations to come.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, represented by Ben Okorie, described the event as a matter of extraordinary significance, explaining that the gravity of the decision cannot be overstated.

“It holds the power to shape the trajectory of energy cooperation and development across Africa for generations to come,” he said.

Lamuwa expressed confidence at its collective ability to realise a future of prosperity and progress for all Africans, as Africa embarks on the transformative journey together, guided by the principles of cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Nigeria holds Africa’s largest natural gas reserves and ranks ninth globally, boasting proven reserves of 200 trillion cubic feet and gas production capacity standing at 8.5 billion cubic feet per day.

Hosting the bank in Nigeria ensures proximity to key energy technocrats and experts, which is essential for formulating and implementing effective solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.

The bank’s share capital is expected to be five billion dollars to be subscribed over three years with an initial capital of1.5 billion dollars reserved for APPO member countries.

Afrexim Bank has been supporting APPO to establish the Bank and has approved an investment of 1.75 billion dollars for the bank.

The AEB will finance hydrocarbon, oil and gas infrastructure across the energy streams, with target shareholders as African governments, national oil companies, sovereign wealth funds, private and public sector institutional investors and international partners like the Middle East and Asia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has executed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with Golar LNG for the deployment of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., in a statement on Tuesday said the agreement was in furtherance of the commitment to monetise Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya; Executive Vice President, Gas Power & New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye and Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, all representatives of the NNPC Limited.

The Golar LNG team was led by Karl Staubo (CEO).

According to Soneye, the PDA is another major milestone achievement towards ensuring gas commercialisation through deployment of an FLNG Facility in Nigeria.

This, he said was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to rapidly commercialise Nigeria’s gas assets for the economic prosperity of the Nation.

“The agreement aims to monetise vast proven gas reserves from shallow water resources offshore Nigeria.

“The PDA also outlines the monetisation plan that will utilise approximately 400-500mmscf/d and produce LNG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Condensate,” he said.

He said the Partners, NNPC Limited and Golar LNG have both expressed their commitment to achieve Final Investment Decision (FID) before end of Quarter Four (Q4), 2024 and first gas by 2027.

Golar LNG Limited is a renowned independent owner and operator of LNG infrastructure, including carriers, Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), and Floating Liquefaction (FLNG) vessels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) on Monday disowned reports in some sections of the media alleging that it inflated subsidy claims by N3.3trillion.

A statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., stated that the company had always conducted its businesses accountably and transparently, with international best practices.

Soneye said NNPC Ltd. had at no time inflated its subsidy claims with the Federal Government, noting that all previous subsidy claims by the company were verifiable, as relevant records and documents had been sent to relevant authorities and agencies.

He said that NNPC Ltd. was neither aware of any audit of its subsidy claims nor probe, noting that the ridiculous reports were the products of the imagination of the reporters and their respective media houses.

“NNPC Ltd. will resist any attempt to drag the company into the apparent politics of fuel subsidy as it currently operates on commercial basis and on the express provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“It is on record that in line with its Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE) mantra, NNPC Ltd. has, on several occasions, independently invited external auditors to review its books.

“NNPC Ltd. calls on media practitioners and media houses to exercise restraint and verify information before publication in keeping with the ethics of the noble profession of journalism to avoid misleading the public,” Soneye added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations have aligned with the resolution passed by the House of Representatives to halt ongoing divestment of oil and gas assets by multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta.

The coalition made its position known at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

The coalition was led by Botti Isaac of Social Action Integrated Centre (Social Action), Nigeria; Dr Prince Ekpere of OLESH Centre for Community Development; Arigbabu Sulaiman of HEDA Resource Centre and Dr Barrister Uko Etuk of Policy Alert.

Others are Shehu Akowe of Health of Mother Earth Foundation; Prince Ayanfe Akintola of Legislative Media and Citizens Advocacy Initiative (LeMCAI).

They said that their position was made known when they met with Executive Secretary of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Kayode Komolafe, in Abuja.

Speaking on the resolution, Isaac expressed worry over the rationale behind Federal Government’s plan to hurriedly approve the IOCs’ divestment plans without proper assessment.

Isaac said the coalition was worried at the pace that Federal Government was taking to grant these approvals.

”You would recall that Federal Government has set this June as deadline for granting the divestment approvals to all these oil companies.

“But we are worried that in spite of the cries and complains of Nigerians the Federal Government is interested in completing the transactions not minding the implications on the people.

“So, we are saying that the Federal Government should slow down that pace, carry out comprehensive audit and investigation around the divestment process,” he said.

Isaac also urged the Federal Government through NURPC to put necessary measures in place to ensure that the process transparent, accountable and in compliance with international best practices.

These, according to him, are some of the demands that government should put a halt to the divestment to ensure the right thing is done.

He said it would enable any of the oil companies that had applied for divestment through divestment application to make sure they comply with the standards and the requirements that government had put in place for them to divest.

According to him, government should not be in haste to grant the approval but rather listen to the voice of wisdom.

“The National Assembly has asked them to suspend the process, they should suspend the process and ensure the right thing is done before going ahead with the approval,” he added.

On his part, Dr Prince Ekpere affirmed that companies operating in the country had the right to re-order or divest investments, but alleged that the funds to be used by the Consortium which intends to acquire SPDC assets would be provided by Shell.

Ekpere called for proactive steps to hold the IOCs accountable for their historical activities in the oil producing region.

He added that the assessment report conducted by Bayelsa State Government indicated that the sum of 12 billion dollars, would be required to clear the environmental degradation in the state.

“These are some of the reasons why most likely these oil companies are divesting from the Niger Delta. They want to evade the long historical liabilities they’ve caused thjbhe the Niger Delta,” he said.

In her remarks, Cecilia Ogwuchie, Legal/Programme Officer for HEDA Resource Centre, explained that one of their concerns was the Environmental Liability and Cleanup.

Ogwuchie said the divestment had raised critical questions about responsibility for past and ongoing environmental damages due to oil pollution.m

According to her, with assets changing hands, there is concern about the commitment of new local owners to address legacy pollution issues and invest in necessary cleanup and remediation efforts for the past and recent liabilities.

She lamented that contentious award of cleanup contracts and oil spill management had often intensified tensions, underscoring the necessity for equitable and transparent divestment.

She harped on the need to ensure effective regulatory oversight and legal clarity.

She added that “minimal involvement of regulatory bodies in supervising previous asset transactions and ensuring the addressing of environmental liabilities raises alarms about the efficacy of existing frameworks to safeguard community rights and ecological integrity amidst divestments.

“We are a delegation representing Nigerian civil society organizations and community groups working to promote the best interest of Nigerian citizens, their natural environment and livelihoods in the context of oil and gas extraction and energy access in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

“We have collected over 1000 signatures from community leaders of the Niger Delta, national and international organizations, academic scholars and concerned individuals.”

According to her, they are all calling on the Federal Government to address the critical issue of Shell’s divestment from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

“This proposed divestment, which entails Shell’s withdrawal from its Nigerian onshore operations by transferring its interests to a consortium comprising various Nigerian and international energy entities—demands an immediate halt to enable scrutiny given the historical and ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta region.

“We acknowledge and applaud the recent resolution of the House of Representatives directing the NUPRC to withhold consent for all international oil companies intending to sell off assets in the Niger Delta region.

“We are expecting that NUPRC will respect the views of the National Assembly and the Nigerian people, especially the members of the communities in the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta, and halt approval of all divestment requests.

“Our delegation is here to offer our partnership towards ensuring that no divestment proceeds without clear commitments to environmental remediation, community compensation, Payment and Escrow of Host Community Fund, participatory and implementable decarbonization plan, and the establishment of robust regulatory oversight,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Yunus Yusuf

Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has commended Tetracore Energy for its investment in a 10-million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) LNG facility.

The investment in the facility is aimed at promoting energy security in Nigeria.

Ekpo made the commendation at the inauguration of Tetracore Energy Group’s 6.1 MMscfd Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility and the groundbreaking ceremony for the 10 MMscfd LNG plant at Atakobo, along Benin-Sagamu Expressway, Ogun.

The minister stated that the CNG and LNG facilities, aimed at promoting energy security in Nigeria, and cleaner energy as well as ensuring energy security for the country.

He praised Tetracore Energy Group for its vision and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.

“The commissioning of your 6.1 MMscfd CNG facility and the groundbreaking ceremony for your 10 MMscfd LNG facility are significant steps towards enhancing our nation’s energy security.

“These developments are critical components of our strategy to diversify energy sources, promote cleaner energy, and ensure energy security for our people.

“Natural gas is a pivotal element in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable energy system,” said Ekpo.

The minister highlighted that natural gas provides a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and supports the integration of renewable energy sources.

He noted that the LNG facility would play a crucial role in expanding in-country processing capabilities and delivering feedstock to gas-based industries nationwide.

“This project will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

“The use of CNG in transportation will reduce reliance on imported fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with our commitment to the Paris Agreement and our national climate goals,” he added.

Representing the Ogun Government, Dr Ola Aikulola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed gratitude to Tetracore Energy Group for its  milestone achievement.

He stated that Tetracore’s efforts in gas penetration and utilisation aligned perfectly with Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s goals for sustainable energy solutions in the state and the country.

“This initiative is a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu to deepen the penetration of natural gas for our utilisation.

“This project will create more jobs for the people of Ogun state, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the development of our industrial base,” Aikulola said.

Mr Sesan Odukoya, Head of the Oil and Gas Department at the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, congratulated Tetracore Energy Group on its achievement.

Representing Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Odukoya emphasised the strategic partnership between Lagos and Ogun states in developing CNG and LNG facilities to enhance energy security and promote clean energy.

In his remarks, Mr Olalekan Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group,
said that the firm could deliver up to 70 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to multiple customers.

He highlighted the state-of-the-art CNG satellite complex, which includes a 10 MMscfd gas delivery facility, a 6.1 MMscfd CNG delivery and loading facility, as well as a  2.1-megawatt power generation plant.

Williams thanked both the federal and state governments for their support, policies and initiatives that made the project a reality.

He emphasised the firm’s dedication to ensuring that their operations benefit all stakeholders, from employees to the communities where they operate. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa