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NNPC Ltd’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr Bala Wunti (2nd from right) and Managing Director/Chief Executive, TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer (3rd from right) signing a Final Investment Decision (FID) agreement on the Ubeta Field Development Project at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. Watching keenly are the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari; Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Verheijen and Senior Vice President for Africa, Mike Sangster
General News

NNPC Ltd.-TotalEnergies JV announces $550m FID on Ubeta field dev’t project

By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Ltd.-TotalEnergies Joint Venture (JV) has announced a 550 million dollars Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project.

This was announced on Thursday at the signing ceremony held at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers, Abuja.

The milestone is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Executive Order on Oil and Gas Reforms, aimed at improving the investment climate and positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the Oil and Gas sector in Africa.

The Ubeta field was discovered in 1964, in the North-West of Port Harcourt in the eastern part of the Niger Delta.

Once on stream, it will produce about 350 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScf/day) of gas and 10,000 BBLS/day of associated liquids.

It will tap into the vast gas reserves and contribute towards securing gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited said the milestone was a major step towards boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production.

Kyari expressed appreciation to the president for providing the appropriate fiscal environment and facilitating a conducive operational environment as a major enabler in achieving this success.

The GCEO, while appreciating the industry stakeholders for their continuous support, lauded the Federal Government’s Presidential Executive Orders for Fostering Growth in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.

“The Presidential Executive Order is instrumental to us getting to this significant milestone and we are now seeing the impact of the policy,” Kyari said.

In his remarks, Mike Sangster, Senior Vice-President Africa, Exploration and Production, TotalEnergies, described Ubeta as the latest in a series of projects developed by the oil giant in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West.

“I am pleased that we can unveil this new gas project which has been made possible by the Federal Government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments.

“Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, said Tinubu had significantly rekindled investor’s confidence in the Oil and Gas Industry, assuring Nigerians that more investments were on the way.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project was a testament to the effectiveness of government’s policies aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment in the gas sector.

Located in OML58, the Ubeta gas condensate field will be developed with a new 6-well cluster connected to the existing Obite facilities through an 11km buried pipeline.

Production start-up is expected in 2027, with a plateau of 300 million cubic feet per day (about 70,000barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates).

Gas from Ubeta will be supplied to NLNG, a liquefaction plant located in Bonny Island with an on-going capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which NNPC Limited holds a 49% interest.

Ubeta is a low-emission and low-cost development, leveraging OML58 existing gas processing facilities.

The carbon intensity of the project will be further reduced through a 5 MW solar plant currently under construction at the Obite site and the electrification of the drilling rig.

TotalEnergies is working closely with NNPC Limited to enhance local content, with more than 90 per cent of man-hours which will be worked locally.

The Ubeta FID justifies the effort invested by NNPC Limited, with unyielding Executive support, into tackling the underlying reasons that have plagued the attractiveness of the Nigerian oil and gas industry to foreign investors in recent years.

The Ubeta project has a robust Nigerian Content plan and is poised to stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and create significant value for stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

L-R: Ms Chinwe Ifechigha, Sustainability/CSR Manager, TotalEnergies Country Servic; Dr Samba Seye, Managing Director, Total Energies Marketing Nigeria Plc; Mrs Adesua Adewole, General Manager, TotalEnergies Country Services; Dr Charles Ebereonwu, Country Communications Manager, TotalEnergies Country Services, at the launch of the 100 Startuppers of the Year – 2024 Edition by TotalEnergies on Thursday.
Business , General News

TotalEnergies launches 100 entrepreneurs for 2024 Startuppers Challenge

By Rukayat Adeyemi

TotalEnergies Nigeria has launched the 2024 Startuppers Challenge, which aims to reward 100 entrepreneurs across 32 African countries.

The Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr Samba Seye, announced this at the virtual launch of the fourth edition of the challenge on Thursday.

According to him, the 2024 edition is in commemoration of the company’s 100th anniversary celebrations and open to young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 with a business creation project or startup under three years old.

He said that the challenge, which is in three-prize categories: Innov’Up, Cycle’Up and Power’, has a monetary award of N8 million, personalised support and a communication campaign to enhance the project’s visibility.

The managing director explained that a local jury comprised of experts, business leaders, startup ecosystem participants, local sustainability stakeholders and representatives from TotalEnergies Nigeria will select three winners.

Seye said that each winner of the challenge would become a ‘Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies’.

“The new edition kicking off today reaffirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the socio-economic development of African countries in which the company is present.

“The challenge strengthens the social fabric in local communities by helping the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects,” he said.

In her presentation, General Manager, Country Service, TotalEnergies, Mrs Adesua Adewole, said Africa was special to TotalEnergies, hence the focus.

Adewole stated that registration for the challenge would open on May 13 and close on June 18.

Adewole added that 100 startups would be selected at first while 15 finalists would emerge.

The general manager said: “In December, we will have 100 businesses to celebrate in Africa.

“In past edition, we had only six winners who were invited to Paris. But this year, we will have 100 winners who will be going to selected location where they will be celebrated.

“Africa is special to us. When you look at Africa, our youths make up 60 per cent, they are the ones who will develop the continent,” she said.

According to her, in all, 365 winners selected from 40,000 applications received have been rewarded and supported worldwide since 2015.

For the 2024/2025 edition of the challenge, Adewole said the local jury would select three winners that would emerge as follows : Innov’Up winner, for the best entrepreneur, Cycle’Up winner, for the best project relating to the circular economy

Also, Power’Up winner, for the best project relating to sustainable, affordable energy, while four additional projects in the Power’Up category will be selected by an international jury.

Commenting, the Country Communications Manager, TotalEnergies in Nigeria, Dr Charles Ebereonwu, said the energy company was targeting startups that are less than three years old for the challenge.

Ebereonwu stated that the firm also focus on startups pioneering a business idea with a positive impact on their communities and/or the planet.

He explained that apart from the startupper challenge and commemoration of the firm’s 100 years, TotalEnergies has introduced new dimensions.

Ebereonwu said all the project entries will be assessed against four criteria.

These, he noted, include: relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation
feasibility and development potential and respect for gender equality and inclusion of women in the project

Also, a past winner of the challenge, Mr Nonso Opurum of SOSO CARE, a low-cost insuretech that aims to use recyclable garbage as a financial resource, highlighted how winning the challenge impacted his business.

Opurum confirmed that the programme had been transformative to the businesses of all the past beneficiaries.

“It provided not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical know how. It is a great opportunity to learn, unwind and get capital for business,” he said.

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Health

Kaduna community enjoys NNPCL/TotalEnergies health centre

By Amen Gajira
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in partnership with TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited has donated a maternal and child referral centre to Kwoi community in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is sited within the General Hospital, Kwoi.

Speaking at the inauguration and handover ceremony, Mathew Bouyer, Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies Upstream Nig., said the donation was in furtherance of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The company’s Acting General Manager, CSR, Mrs Tonye Osifo, read out Bouyer’s speech to guests on his behalf via zoom.

He said the project, like others across the country, was borne out of the need to mitigate gaps in maternal and child health care, quality education, water and women and youth empowerment in line with related Sustainable Development Goals.

“In 2016, TotalEnergies undertook a strategy to deploy 84 significant infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

“This was done to mitigate gaps in qualitative and technical education, maternal and child health, access to clean water and women and youth empowernment in consonance with related SDGs.

“The commissioning of such projects has become a regular for us as a company and we have started unveiling another set of projects that are being completed,” he added.

According to him, the location of the project is carefully chosen for maximum impact, coming from a needs assessment carried out before the deployment.

In his remarks, Mr Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, said the facility was a testament to the power of collaboration in the oil and gas industry.

“Today’s event further illustrates our joint commitment to improving the quality of healthcare in Nigeria.

“As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, the oil and gas industry recognises its responsibility to support the Nigerian people in the social, economic, health and education sector of our people,” he said.

Wunti stated that the NNPC would consistently champion the implementation of sustainable community development projects that has direct impact on the lives of the citizens.

He implored the hospital management to ensure the sustainable use of the facility to impact the people positively.

He also thanked other partners; including SAPETRO, CNOOC and PRIME 30 who joined in providing the resources that made the delivery of the project possible.

Also speaking, Dr Danladi Maude, the Kpop Ham and paramount ruler of Jaba Chiefdom, appreciated the donors of the centre for bringing relief to the people of the area.

Maude prayed God to replenish their pockets and grant them the enablement to do more for the people of the area and other Nigerians at large.

On his part, the Medical Director of the General Hospital Kwoi, Dr Osita Achunike, noted that the project was timely as it would reduce Nigeria’s child and maternal mortality rate.

Achunike promised to ensure that the facility is put to good use in a sustainable manner.

NAN reports that the centre comprises a reception area, consultation room, pharmacy and storage, laboratory, nurses bay, theatre, mothers and children wards among others.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gas flaring
Oil & Gas

Climate Change: NNPC Ltd/Total Energies JV achieves zero gas flare

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited/TotalEnergies Joint Venture (JV) has achieved zero routine gas flare in all its assets.

This feat was announced on Thursday during an inspection of the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 100 in South-eastern Niger Delta, off Port Harcourt, by a joint NNPC Ltd. and TotalEnergies Team.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the inspection was to ascertain the success of the OML Flare Reduction Project inaugurated in December 2023.

According to Soneye, the achievement is in pursuit of meeting the targets of 20 per cent (unconditional) and 47 per cent (conditional) greenhouse gas emission reduction.

He said the reduction target was contained in the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Accord signed by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“The NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies JV, which is the concession holder of four leases, had hitherto achieved zero routine flaring across OML 99 (2006), OML 102 (2014), and OML 58 (2016), leaving OML 100 as the only lease with routine flaring going on.

“The significance of this achievement is that the last routine flare volume of Twelve Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (12MMscf/d) of gas, has now been eliminated giving rise to a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of about 341KtCO₂e/yr.

“The achievement is an outcome of a programme introduced by the NNPC Ltd. to galvanise action towards achieving the zero routine flare by 2030 across its portfolio of assets,” he said.

He said the feat achieved was a testament to the NNPC Ltd.’s prioritisation of sustainability anchored on the ‘first R’ of its 5R Strategy (Reduce, Replace, Renew, Re-plant, Repurpose), as it strived to reduce its carbon footprint.

According to him, work is ongoing across all other assets within NNPC Ltd.’s Upstream Directorate to ensure that all assets achieve zero routine flaring by 2030 or earlier. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

L-R: Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné; Managing Director and Country Chair, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer; Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd., Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and GCEO of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari, at the signing of MoU between NNPC Ltd. and TotalEnergies
Oil & Gas

NNPC Ltd, TotalEnergies sign MoU on adoption of methane detection technology

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TotalEnergies for adoption and deployment of Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Application (AUSEA) in its upstream operations.

The agreement is a direct benefit from the Company’s participation at the recently concluded United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.

A statement on Tuesday by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., stated that with the agreement, the company would be able to deploy the TotalEnergies AUSEA, known as methane detection technology on its upstream operations sites.

This, will ascertain the level of methane emissions from them, with a view to working out emission curtailment measures to help in combating global warming and climate change.

The MoU was signed by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, and Managing Director and Country Chair, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, on behalf of their respective companies.

Putting the deal in proper perspective, the NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the pilot phase of the TotalEnergies AUSEA deployment would be on NNPC Ltd’s owned operations.

Eyasan added that the deal would enable the company to deploy methane abatement measures.

Other benefits of the TotalEnergies AUSEA technology include identification of unaccounted emission sources, establishment of a basis for querying and improving current emission reporting processes.

It will aid in provision of data to review operational system and implement corrective actions, and estimation of flare combustion efficiency.

The agreement was signed under the watch of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné.

Speaking at the event, Kyari described TotalEnergies as a great and reliable partner over the years with whom the company was looking forward to exploring greater opportunities in the nation’s energy sector.

On his part, Pouyanné said his company was offering the technology to NNPC Ltd, in keeping with its commitment to promote responsible production of hydrocarbons.

He applauded NNPC Ltd for its successful transition into a limited liability company, stressing that he could feel the energy that the reforms have brought about, not only in the company but also in the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

CAF AFCON logo for Cote d'Ivoire 2023
Sports

AFCON 2023: CAF receives over 5,000 accreditation applications

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), said it has received over 5 000 media accreditation applications for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

CAF said in its official website on Saturday that the applications are 90 per cent more than that revived for Cameroon in 2021.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that media accreditation closed on Nov. 24 .

It said that more than 70 nationalities have applied to cover the Africa’s biggest event.

“The high demand has necessitated that CAF implement quotas for all the countries due to space demands.

“CAF remains committed to ensure that fairness is applied across the board in allocation and implementation of quotas.

“CAF believes in creating access for media and promoting media freedom,” it said.

It said that it will introduce new guidelines for non-rigths holders and enforce restrictions on filming and other activities to protect media (TV) rights holders.

It said that priority will be given to the host nation at 30 per cent, participating countries, 35 per, regional (neighbouring) countries, 10 and rest of the world (countries) 25 per cent.

“CAF is currently working closely with all the participating member associations to ensure that there is a fair representation in allocating the quotas of each country,” it said.

It said that priority would also be given to Agencies.

NAN reports that the 2023 AFCON will kick off on Jan. 13 2024 to Feb. 11 in Cote d’ Ivoire with 24 nations participating. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

General News

TotalEnergies donates N2m to charity homes for welfare

By Taiye Olayemi

TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria, on Saturday donated N1 million each  to two charity homes – The Care People Foundation and Galilee Foundatio in Lagos.

Its Managing Director, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, announced the donation during the 27th TotalEnergies Charity Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938.

Bouyer said the activity was deliberately organised to gradually eradicate poverty and help the less privileged in the society.

According to him, more danations realised from individuals who participated in the tournament would also be given to the charity homes.

“This event evokes the essence of giving, echoing the profound truth in the inspirational words of Horace Jackson Brown Jr – “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

“Drawing inspiration from the teachings that span across faiths and humanity, we believe that all participants in this charity tournament continue to experience the unique joy derived from selfless giving.

“Beyond the exhilaration of golf, a sport that enriches life and relationships, the act of contributing to charity adds a fulfilling dimension to our collective experience.

“TotalEnergies places premium on a healthy work-life balance, and it remains a steadfast supporter of sports and games, recognising their social benefits in fostering unity, solidarity, networking, leadership and promoting good mental health.

“The beneficiaries for 2023 edition are the Care People Foundation, Ibadan and Galilee Foundation, Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

Bouyer noted that the annual recurrence of the event on the company’s calendar was a testament to its unwavering commitment to giving, especially to the less privileged.

According to him, this was in aligning seamlessly with TotalEnergies overarching goal of becoming the world’s most responsible energy company.

He said TotalEnergies’ involvement in golf sponsorships was extensive as the company’s charity golf tournament hold a special place in its events calendar.

“So, we count on your generous spirit to contribute to the identified charity homes.

“Our sponsorship extends to various events, including the TotalEnergies AFCON, National Men’s Division One and Two Basketball Leagues, Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG), and the OML 58 football tournament.

“Golf legend Arnold Palmer proclaimed, ‘In charity, there is no excess’.”

He applauded the collective efforts of everyone who had worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event as well as the golf section of Ikoyo Club 1938, for providing the venue and support for the charitable endeavour.

Mrs Favour Tioluwani, Vice President of The Care People Foundation, said TotalEnergies had been of tremendous help to the charity homes, haven supported the home with several materials.

Tioluwani said recently, TotalEnergies gave out 50 wheelchairs to the home.

“TotalEnergies has been so consistent in supporting our children for the past 15 years, in the area of academics, feeding and all. We say thank you, we are grateful and May God continue to promote your company.”

Also, Dr Gregory Egbadon, Executive Director, Galilee Foundation, said: “We are really grateful for this donation and a lot more you have done for us; we get subvention every year from you, infact TotalEnergies has been so wonderful to us.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 98 players participated in the tournament while Adebayo Alli emerged overall winner with 37 points; John Vassaur, the first-runner-up with 33 points and Folabi Balogun, the second-runner-up with 32 points.

Also, for TotalEnergies staff, Mr Paul Brisibe emerged overall winner in the male category with 31 points while Adesua Adewole won the female category with 23 points. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Idris Abdulrahman

Education

TotalEnergies tasks students on reading culture to boost mental capability

By Taiye Olayemi

TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria on Saturday urged students to cultivate the habit of reading to enhance their mental capability.

Its Deputy Managing Director, Mr Victor Bandele, made the call during the company’s “2023 DW Book Reading and Open Day”, with the theme, “A Chapter A Day Keeps The Brain Alert”.

Bandele, who was represented by Mr Adeyemi Akinlalu, Executive General Manager, Deep Water Field Operations at TotalEnergies, said the company was committed to educational development of the country.

He educated the students on the benefits of reading, saying that reading helps individuals acquire life improvement skills, gain more vocabularies as well as acquire new information and knowledge.

He said that former U.S. President, Barrack Obama, would usually say “Reading is the gateway key that makes all other learning possible”.

He said this was outrightly true as all learning from complex word problem, history, scientific discoveries and technological proficiency could all be made possible through reading.

” Our main aim of organising this is to promote reading among students and encourage them to develop the habit as a way of increasing their knowledge.

“ Also, the open day is to share career trajectories and explore career requirements and opportunities to guide these students to make early career decisions.

“Reading involves a considerable level of concentration, discipline, patience, deeper thinking and all these virtues will help the reader to acquire good character and values needed to live a successful life,” he said.

According to him, the book read, “Gulliver’s Travels”, written by Jonathan Swift, is designed to heighten their appetite for books  and enhance their  reading capacity.

“Please do not allow social media and all electronic gadgets sabotage your dreams of becoming a success story; hardwork pays,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Adesua Adewole, General Manager, Total Country Service, TotalEnergies, counseled  the students on the need to take deliberate steps to develop themselves as they grow older.

“ This is our way of giving back to the society and I’m particularly excited with this because it is capable of transforming your lives for the better.

“I want you all to understand that this is an important part of your lives, it is capable of changing the direction of what you want to do in terms of career.

“Reading makes you gain knowledge and this helps in improving your capabilities. Know that every experience you have, defines your values,” she said.

Also, the Lagos state Commissioner for Education, Mr Jamiu Ali-Balogun, appreciated TotalEnergies for the annual reading initiative.

Ali-Balogun, who advised the students to take conscious efforts to read,  said, “reading helps to boost your sense of mental alertness, pls read, when you read, you rule the world.”

Yetunde Asekun, Head, Corrosion Deepwater Operations, TotalEnergies, explained her career trajectories as a way to encourage the students to live responsibly.

Asekun urged the students to always watch out for their passion which would guide them on their choice of career.

“Passion gives you the fuel to continue in your career, you cannot escape reading and learning. Learning puts you ahead of other people,” she said.

Felicity Nwoko-Omere, who guided the students on the book reading exercise, advised them to take cognisance of the morals embedded in the boo.

“Always cultivate good morals, great abilities. Be humble and always considerate,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the schools in attendance for the exercise include: Apapa Senior High School; Birrel Avenue Senior Secondary School, Yaba; Eti  Moore Senior High School, Surulere and Mainland Senior High School.

Also, Sanya Senior High School, Ijeshatedo; Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, Yaba; Ansa-ur-deen Senior High School, Isolo,  and Tolyfun Kay College, Ijora Badia. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Oil & Gas

NOG Conference: UNIDO, Shell, TotalEnergies endorse clean energy investments

By Emmanuella Anokam

Stakeholders at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition have called for an equitable energy mix to enhance transition in consideration of Green Hydrogen investment and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technology.

The stakeholders made this known during a panel session tagged “ Candid Conversation: Defining the Journey to Equitable Energy Mix for Nigeria’’ at the on-going NOG Energy Week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 Energy Week, which is the 22nd edition of the annual event, has as theme: “Powering Nigeria’s Sustainable Energy Future”.

NAN reports that CCS technology has been considered as an important methodology to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions and as key to help in tackling global warming.

The global demand for Green Hydrogen, which is a cleaner and alternative low carbon energy, is anticipated to increase by 700 per cent by 2050.

The session however explored cleaner energy options that can be utilised by the manufacturing sector in meeting Nigeria’s energy supply needs and steps to unlock investment opportunities for alternative energy sources.

Speaking, Abimbola Wycliffe, Head of Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Nigeria of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) said from the UN perspective, energy transition was seen as an opportunity for industrialisation not a task.

Wycliffe said Nigeria could make the energy transition to work by embracing technologies such as CCS and utilisation.

“If the UN has been pushing the narratives of energy sustainability and low carbon emission future, why can’t we then push for top leadership in the sector to toll the light in achieving decarbonisation?

“It cannot be overemphasised that energy transition for a period of 15 to 20 years is inevitable. This is our reality but we can make it work by embracing the technologies such as carbon capture, storage and utilisation.

“If we do not start to talk about hydrogen, there will not be an opportunity to key into the technology when it is scaling in other climes.

“It is very good for Nigeria to embrace the narratives around Hydrogen because the more we scale renewables the more viable green hydrogen will be for us in our energy mix,’’ she said.

She urged the International and Indigenous Oil Companies to adopt or have a discussion with UNIDO, which had some key programmes targeted at accelerating clean tech, addressing energy transmission as well as empowering youths.

She said though there was an energy transition plan, Nigeria needed to articulate a narrative in terms of strategies for attracting and retaining green funding to see maturation towards a new world of low emission, industrialisation and empowerment.

“We gather to discuss oil, gas and economy but how to balance the industry is missing in the conversation.

There is a need to start to align our visions for energy and industrialisation and integration plans on how to advance.

“The incorporation of clean innovation technology is the responsibility of everyone now and has become the focus for UNIDO, especially getting women and youths involved,’’ she said.

She said democratising the knowledge on renewables by removing the barriers to knowledge sharing and technological transfer was one of the things UNIDO had been driving in and across Africa.

She said it also focused on improving global access to components and raw materials because energy transition would be powered by long duration energy storage hence battery solutions were paramount.

“It will be good for a forum like this to discuss how to expand and diversify our manufacturing capacity not only for export but also for internal consumption and domestic utilisation because we have the minerals.

“We have to level the playing ground for renewable energies technology by reforming our domestic policies.

The Electricity Act of 2023 has excited a whole lot of people working in the sustainable energy space.

“We are hoping that the implementation of the act will deliver on our carbon future,’’ she said.

She further underscored the need to shift energy subsidies from fossil fuel to renewables especially now that there were no more subsidies on petroleum products.

Also speaking, Mr Johnbosco Uche, Energy Transition Business Opportunity Manager of Shell Nigeria said it could be difficult to get to absolute zero emission while decarbonising the upstream due to flaring which it had tackled in its new projects.

“Therefore, he said carbon offset in reducing carbon emission became credible especially nature-based solutions which could take about 15 to 20 years and any country that would like to use such a solution in future should start now.

“The same comes into CCS technology as well, for an average carbon capture storage and utilisation project, it takes about five to seven years from conception to execution.

“Therefore, should we in Nigeria wait till we are ready? We have to prepare ahead of time and CCS is one of the technologies we have to deploy to decarbonise.

“It is evolving, and capital intensive,’’ he said.

Uche explained that there was a CCS pilot project running in Nigeria being funded by the World Bank which started through the office of the former Vice President, adding that they had been collaborating with the industry.

He said before the end of 2023, they would be able to turn out a report on the project.

He said the total emission in Nigeria currently stood at 275 metric tonnes Co2, adding that the contribution for oil and gas was less than 20 per cent.

He said the project would cover industries including cement, fertilisers and petrochemical industries as well as refineries.

He thereby urged the government to support the evolving initiatives of the National Climate Change Council in view of energy transition.

Also, Mr Dabo Alabo, General Manager of Crude Oil and Gas Commercial in TotalEnergies EP Nigeria said the company had always been supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and development and issues bothering climate change, efficient energy mix and low emission.

Alabo said, TotalEnergies being a company committed to delivering energy with less emission, was ready to support the country in the journey towards decarbonising the oil and gas industry.

He said it was committed to CCS technology and nature based solutions, adding that TotalEnergies was always focused on finding solutions that matched the content.

“A lot of our research today on CCS is focused on reservoirs, using them to test the technology and continue to develop and innovate,’’ he said.

He said one of the advantages of Decade of Gas was being able to grow our consumption of natural gas domestically from one Pound Cubic Feet (PCF) to two PCF per day.

“TotalEnegies is committed to helping the direction the country will take in ensuring efficient gas supply and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

“We have laudable projects expected to come out in 2026 and 2027 targeted at producing up to 500 million scoff gas into the supply,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza