The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Pattern of lawlessness

    Pattern of lawlessness

    Three recent cases in which the country’s security agents unlawfully caged journalists had one striking thing in common. In each case, the journalist involved was reported to have been “abducted” by security agents. This is disturbing, particularly its frequency.

    The latest case involved Madu Onuorah, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Globalupfront, an online medium. “About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses,” the medium’s management said in a statement following the May 22 incident, which was said to have happened “in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family.”

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    The police seized his phones, “thereby completely cutting him off from communication with people, including his family members,” they said, adding, “He was not even allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station by the stern looking operatives.”

    A subsequent statement said he was released on bail on the night of May 23 “by Enugu State Police Command who requested the Ebonyi Police to abduct him for them.”

    Before this was the case of another journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, who works for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).  FIJ said Ojukwu “was abducted by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police” on May 1. When he was located at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos, he had been “held incommunicado for three days, with no access to legal representation.”  He was later transferred to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja, where he was further detained for five days before his release on bail.  He was accused of violating the Cybercrime Act.

    Before this, in an oppressive operation, agents of the Nigerian military invaded the home of Segun Olatunji, the then General Editor of FirstNews, an online medium. They took him away from his Abule-Egba home in Lagos State, on March 15.  The military denied knowledge of his whereabouts. They flew him to Abuja blindfolded, and detained him for two weeks under harsh conditions before eventually releasing him following public and professional outcry. Olatunji said they asked him about certain stories published in FirstNews, concerning the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Chief of Staff to the President.

    This pattern of lawlessness by the country’s security agents against journalists is condemnable. The authorities should not encourage it by their silence and inaction. 

  • Reps decry failure to lift ban on sachet drink

    Reps decry failure to lift ban on sachet drink

    House of Representatives Committee on National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has frowned at the agency’s failure to lift the ban on sachet drinks.

    Chairman, Regina Akume, said this was an affront even after the House passed a resolution that the ban be lifted.

    Speaking through her vice,  Uchenna Okonkwo, she told reporters that NAFDAC was served with the resolution.

    Akume said the agency, under leadership of Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, failed to comply with directives two months after it was passed.

    “You need not be told the parliament is the centrepiece of our democracy. If the parliament that is giant of African democracy is abused, the future of African democracy will be doomed,” she said.

    The lawmaker said the committee regrets the deteriorating relationship between the agency and the House.

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    “We view the director general’s action as a direct affront on the rule of law and the people’s parliament.

    “If this display of impunity is allowed to go through, it will set a dangerous precedent and disregard for legislative directives,” she said.

    The committee said her actions suggested insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

    It added it also undermined authority of the House and defiled the rule of law.

    The House, on March 21, suspended the agency’s ban on sachet alcohol and less than 200ml pet bottle.

    It directed that the ban be lifted because of unstable economy where unemployment rate is staggering and inflation soaring.

  • Customs to prosecute shipper of illegal wildlife

    Customs to prosecute shipper of illegal wildlife

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to prosecute the shippers of a 40ft container of illegal wildlife products intercepted in Vietnam in April 2024.

    The NCS and Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) announced the suspects’ arrest in a statement:  “Nigeria Customs Service and Wildlife Justice Commission set gold standard in illegal wildlife seizure response.”

    NCS said its Special Wildlife Office and officers of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, in a joint operation with Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) apprehended the suspect on May 16, “in the eastern part of Nigeria.”

    It said the team also arrested a suspected supplier of ivory (in addition to the shipper on May 17 during the operation, barely six weeks after the news was reported in Vietnam.

    Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Mike Ugbagu said: “Apprehending these persons is to send a signal to other perpetrators of these acts which contravene Customs export guidelines/Nigeria Customs Service Act, and Endangered Species Act of Nigeria, that wildlife trafficking, illegal wildlife trade and Wildlife crime will not be condoned.

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    “This is also to reaffirm NCS’s commitment to support global initiatives to fight wildlife crime.

    “Furthermore, NCS and WJC partnership is strengthened and determined to dismantle the supply chain of illegal Wildlife criminal networks operating from Africa to Asia.”

    Officer in charge of NCS Special Wildlife Office, Asst Comptroller, Abimbola Isafiade, said: “The response by NCS to the seizure in Vietnam demonstrates that it is not business as usual.

    “Also, the success in apprehending shipper and supplier builds on three years of arrests and prosecution of key members of local and international ivory trafficking networks”.

    “NCS will continue to follow the money to find all those benefiting from this crime.

    “The culprits will soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

  • Food, beverage show expands with more countries, product

    Food, beverage show expands with more countries, product

    More than 300 businesses and brands are expected at this year’s Food & Beverage West Africa trade exhibition, with over 50 countries to be on show from June 11 to 13 at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Turkey, Dubai, China, India, USA, Indonesia, Italy, Egypt, and Tunisia are among those to have exhibitor pavilions.  This is an opportunity for countries to launch new products into Nigeria and West Africa as well as meet new partners.

    Now in its fifth edition, the exhibition is the continent’s largest food and beverage trade show, with over 6,000 visitors expected.

    The exhibition is organised by BtoB Events. Brad Smith, Exhibition manager, said: “This year’s is featuring more exhibitors, more countries, and more products…’’

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    “USA, China and Italy pavilions are joining Turkey’s, Dubai’s, India’s, Indonesia’s and Egypt’s. We are welcoming exhibitors for the first time from countries Mexico, Korea, Hong Kong, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iran, Libya, Turkmenistan, and Nepal.”

    The event is recognised for the number and range of overseas exhibitors from West Africa and beyond.

    “We pride ourselves on the international standard quality that our exhibition represents. We are bringing the global food and beverage industry to Nigeria,” Smith said.

    An international exhibitor, Xena’s Food Group is a Platinum Sponsor of FAB West Africa. Based in London, Xena’s is a wholesale food distributor specialising in premium-grade fresh condiments, oils, and ingredients.

  • Stanbic IBTC’s initiative to restore school infrastructure

    Stanbic IBTC’s initiative to restore school infrastructure

    Stanbic IBTC Holdings has reiterated its commitment to quality education.

    To this end, the bank is implementing ‘Adopt-A-School’ initiative driven by a commitment to corporate social investment and a vision for inclusive development.

    The programme addresses infrastructure deficit plaguing many schools.

    Adopt-a-School is structured according to Stanbic IBTC’s Social, Environmental, and Economic (SEE) framework, which aligns with its mission as a responsible corporate citizen.

    By investing in education, the bank is creating  conducive learning environments to nurture young minds and unlock their potential. Prioritising underserved areas and rural communities, primary and secondary schools were selected guided by a holistic assessment of factors as location, school size, needs, and input from educational authorities.

    The spread includes schools in Borno, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, and Ekiti, ensuring geo-political coverage and impact.

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    Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC, Dr Demola Sogunle, underscored the initiative’s strategic importance, saying: “Our commitment to adopting these schools reflects our dedication to implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as part of our core business practices…”

    Demola emphasised the initiative’s socio-economic benefits: “Education is a cornerstone for societal development. By adopting these schools, we are not only contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 but also investing in these communities.”

    He reiterated the bank’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. “Our goal is to make a positive impact on communities through our initiatives and enabling sustainable and thriving environments for generations to come.”

  • Manufacturers call for balance between inflation, economic growth

    Manufacturers call for balance between inflation, economic growth

    Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said achieving a delicate equilibrium between addressing macroeconomic challenges and fostering growth and resilience of the manufacturing industry is crucial for meaningful economic development.

    MAN’s latest charge to fiscal and monetary authorities came against the background of the latest increase in the benchmark interest rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had last week raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 150 basis points, from 24.75 per cent to 26.25 per cent. The MPC also opted to maintain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) at 45.0 per cent and retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30.0 per cent.

    Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir said while manufacturers acknowledged the efforts of the MPC in confronting the economic challenges facing the country, especially fluctuations in inflation and exchange rates, there is a need for a delicate balancing in order not to truncate overall economic growth.

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    “While MAN understands the reason behind the MPC’s decision, it is crucial for the committee to thoroughly assess the potential impact on the real sector and the multiplier effect on the nation,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

    He noted that the strategy of raising the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) has persisted for nearly two years without yielding positive results.

    He, therefore, called on CBN to explore alternative measures, particularly in addressing the underlying causes of inflation, which, according to him, are primarily cost-push factors.

    The association urged the MPC to carefully evaluate the effects of its monetary policy actions on both the manufacturing sector and the broader economy.

    “Therefore, MAN advocates for robust collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities in implementing targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the underlying cost-push factors driving inflation, thereby alleviating the financial burden on manufacturers,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

    He listed other policy measures to include prioritising forex and credit allocation to manufacturers and fast tracking the proposed recapitalisation of the banking sector; emphasising the development of infrastructure within industrial hubs.

    MAN also called on government to bolster nationwide investments in renewable energy sources to alleviate logistical expenses and enhance competitiveness.

    It also called for further reduction of the country’s reliance on imported products and raw materials by providing incentives for investment in backward integration and local sourcing to reduce the pressure on the dollar to the barest minimum.

    He said the increase in interest rate would exacerbate the challenges of the manufacturing sector and by extension, the economy.

    MAN said, for instance, that the interest rate hike will further tighten credit interventions, increase loan costs, raise production cost, limit fund accessibility, and erode investment and competitiveness within the manufacturing sector.

    But CBN’s decision to further tighten monetary policy rate was obviously not well-received by MAN, which kicked that the increase in the interest rate will harm the manufacturing sector.

    He said, for instance, that the policy decision will constrain investment and expansion in the manufacturing sector, as well as force further decline in manufacturing competitiveness.

    Ajayi-Kadir, who spoke at the ‘Public Presentation of the MAN CEO’s Confidence Index (MCCI) Report’ in Lagos said the combination of heightened borrowing costs and reduced liquidity will hinder manufacturers’ ability to invest in innovative technologies, expand production capacities, or venture into new markets.

    He said as a result, this could lead to delays or cancellations of planned initiatives, ultimately constraining the sector’s potential for growth and its overall contribution to economic growth and development.

    The MAN DG also lamented that the MPC’s decision will further compound the already high cost of doing business in Nigeria, consequently diminishing the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the global market.

     “The high lending rate exceeding 30 per cent will increase the cost of borrowing and make Nigeria goods less competitive to products from other nation,” Ajayi-Kadir said, noting that this is evident in the substantial downturn in global demand for Nigerian goods.

    He said notably, data from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) reveals a stark contrast in manufacturing export values between Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco in 2022, for instance,“ South Africa, Morocco and Egypt recorded $45.38 billion, $30.61 billion, $20.14 billion respectively, compared to Nigeria’s modest record of $3.21 billion,” he said, insisting that “Such a glaring divergence underscores the significant disparity in competitiveness of Nigeria.”

    Moreover, Ajayi-Kadir, citing MAN survey, said the manufacturing sector’s capacity ultilisation reduced from 56.4 per cent recorded in 2022 to 55.1 per cent in 2023. Also, the sector’s growth reduced to 1.40 per cent in 2023 from 3.35 per cent and 2.45 per cent recorded in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, described the decisions of the CBN’s MPC as critical, noting that they will have far-reaching implications on the manufacturing sector.

    He said the Nigerian economy has encountered significant challenges in recent years, including foreign exchange volatility, escalating energy costs, and food insecurity.

    “These challenges have intensified inflationary pressures, adversely impacting consumers’ purchasing power and impeding the growth of the manufacturing sector.

    “Consequently, production levels have declined, leading to reduced competitiveness within the industry,” Meshioye said.

  • Expert seeks increased use of alternative energy to tackle power crisis

    Expert seeks increased use of alternative energy to tackle power crisis

    Chief Executive of SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye, has highlighted the critical need for Nigeria and other African nations to harness their renewable energy capabilities to enhance access to power. He noted  that utilising resources such as tropical forests, peatlands, and oceans not only offer  renewable energy solutions  but  help countries to generate  income through high-quality carbon credits.

    To back this up, the 2024 Economic Outlook for Africa by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) suggested that carbon markets could aid in achieving Africa’s objectives of resilience and wealth, in accordance with Agenda 2063.

    However, the report cautions that without ensuring the additionality of credits, proper governance, and sufficient pricing, there’s a risk of creating market incentives that could boost carbon emissions and hinder the continent’s climate change mitigation efforts.

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    Given the inconsistent power supply across the country, Oye noted that supporting individual residential buildings throughout Nigeria to become fully self-sufficient in renewable energy. His proposal included implementing tailored energy systems for each home, encompassing rooftop solar panels, various storage solutions, heat pump installations, and retrofitting and insulation measures. By doing so, Oye argued, households could meet their electrical and thermal energy needs while minimizing costs.

    In light of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) providing scientific assessments of climate change drivers and impacts, Oye emphasised the urgency for the government to evaluate its progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    He underscored the importance of investing in alternative energy sources that facilitate systemic transformation, viewing this as essential for achieving ambitious and collective climate objectives. This holistic approach,he noted, aligns with the broader global imperative to mitigate climate change and transition towards sustainable energy systems.

    He called for more “adaptive innovation clusters”, with a focus on “reducing climate vulnerability and improving rural community resilience”, as well as “strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change”, while reducing the “risk of climate-induced exacerbation of poverty” and “food insecurity”.

    Researchers report that 53% of European freestanding homes could have supplied all their own energy needs in 2020 using only local rooftop solar radiation, and this technical feasibility could increase to 75% in 2050.The study, which was published on November 2 in the journal Joule, reveals that for now or in the future, it doesn’t make financial sense for individual homes to be completely independent of the grid, although in some instances, the expenses are equal to or less than staying connected to the grid. The researchers predict that it could become financially viable for 5% (two million) of the 41 million standalone single-family homes in Europe by 2050, provided that homeowners are prepared to spend up to 50% more than the cost of staying completely connected to the grid.

  • AFD, EU back NAPTIN to enhance power sector’s capacities

    AFD, EU back NAPTIN to enhance power sector’s capacities

    To enhance service delivery, European Union (EU) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) are collaborating with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) to boost skills and capacity in Nigeria’s power sector.

     Under the “Enhancing Vocational Training Delivery for the Nigerian Power Sector” Project jointly funded by the EU and AFD, NAPTIN will receive up to $46 million to help in providing power sector stakeholders with a workforce whose skills have been developed and capacities adapted to their needs.

     At the 10th Steering Committee Meeting of the project held in NAPTIN Headquarters, Abuja, stakeholders reviewed the progress made by the initiative, including upscaling the training catalogues; developing, renovating and equipping NAPTIN’s training centers with state-of-the-art standards and equipment; and enhancing the corporate governance and business model of NAPTIN.

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     With the biggest hydropower producer and the largest oil reserves in the ECOWAS region, Nigeria also offers great potential for renewable energy. In order to have these resources managed by the most skilled workers, NAPTIN was established as part of a larger framework for a robust training programme, for the power sector.

     It aims to continuously develop the capacity of the power sector personnel and coordinate training activities across the country and the continent.

     Chaired by the representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Ms Victoria Adeosun, the Steering Committee Meeting was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance; the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning; the Bureau for Public Enterprises; the Transmission Company of Nigeria; the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission; and the funding partners, AFD and the EU Delegation. In what NAPTIN’s Director General, Ahmed Bolaji Nagode described as a “very important and historic meeting”, members of the Steering Committee congratulated all project stakeholders on the success so far recorded in its implementation.

    Ms Adeosun also commended the continuous support provided by AFD and the EU which she said had enabled a smooth implementation of the project. The Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo De Luca, noted that considering that power is a fundamental and key aspect of the EU’s involvement in Nigeria, “it is very good to see the progress made by NAPTIN on strengthening the offer on vocational training, which is part of a bigger and wider ambition of the EU Delegation to make a difference in the life of young Nigerian girls and boys.” As AFD is specifically providing financing for the construction works, the Country Director was pleased to visit the far-advanced development at the headquarters site showcasing workshops and student and hostels mentioning that “it was very nice to be able to walk around state of the art buildings and see the amazing progress done in the past few months.” More specifically, the fact that the buildings takes into account gender inclusion and access to people with disabilities is key and in line with AFD’s requirements to make sure that every Nigerian could be trained by NAPTIN.

     NAPTIN is set to inaugurate the new development at its new headquarters before the end of 2024.

  • NEMSA warns against engagement of uncertified electricians

    NEMSA warns against engagement of uncertified electricians

    The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Managing Director, Engr, Aliyu Tahir, has said it is more risky to engage quacks for installation of solar panels and other electrical equipment, than planting a timed bomb.

    He said: “We advise you engage the service of a certified personnel to carry out that installation because any electrical installation that you do and is carried out by quacks, it is just the same thing like wiring a time bomb within your premises and the worse thing is that you don’t even know when that bomb will explode.

    “Because when you know the time  the bomb will explode is even better for you but this one can explode anytime even when you are at home sleeping.”

    Speaking with The Nation, he urged people to always ask electricians to present their NEMSA certificates before engaging them for installation.

    Tahir, who is the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, also asked people to ensure the installation is certified fit before putting them to use.

    He said the agency has already published the guideline manual inspection of renewable energy installation, especially the solar mini- grid across the country.

    He asked utility companies in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to curb the vandalisation of their equipment with technology.

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    He was commenting on the incessant vandalisation of electrical installations, especially transmission towers across the country.

    His words: “The utility companies that own these facilities need to wake up, need to be more vigilant to ensure that these vandals are seen even before they do their vandalisation and prevent them from it.

    “So, technology has to come in, and the network has to be seen in real life. These technologies are already on ground.

    “ I am happy that some of the utility companies have woken up and they are already working on this technology to put in place to ensure this network is monitored 24 hours, seven days a week. This will go a long way to reduce the vandalism that is going on in the country.”

    He said the agency is working with the relevant agencies to ensure all the structures on the Right of Way are completely removed or demolished.

    According to him, the Electricity Act 2023 has brought in new players – the state governments, who are mainly responsible for the removal of the structures on the Right of Way.

    He noted that NEMSA has identified the structures within the Right of Way of Powerline, stressing the agency is now enforcing a directive that all the structures should be disconnected from power supply and they have been listed to the state agencies that own them for removal.

    The NEMSA boss, however, revealed that some states have already enforced the removal of structures from Right of Way.

    He added that “One or two states have acted on that. I can remember Kano State has done so. Kwara State did, and Lagos State has done.”

    The Managing Director, however, regretted that some structures are still within the Right of Way of Powerline.

    He expressed hope that with the synergy the Electricity Act 2023 has provided between the States and Federal Government, structures on the Right of Way will soon become history.

    He said in order to prevent quacks from installing substandard electrical materials in the country, the agency is collaborating with the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to stop their proliferation of the fake materials.

    He further noted that SON is also working with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to ensure that electrical materials entering the country are of the right standard.

    Tahir added that during inspection the agency always remove the substandard materials.

     On quackery, he urged Nigerians to always asked whoever they engage for electrical installations is certified by NEMSA.

    He stressed “If you engage somebody that is not certified, you will not be able to trace him. You are not sure whether he is competent or he knows the job. Once you engage a certified person you are sure he knows the job. You can also go to our website to verify the certificate.”

    Tahir revealed that the agency has extended its certification scheme to renewable energy.

    He advised Nigerians to ensure that “when you are engaging such person, he is certified. And at the end of the certification, also ensure that the installation has been inspected, tested and certified before you can now use such installation.”

    Stressing that people must ensure the engagement of certified electrician for renewable energy installation, the NEMSA warned that “Any electrical installation that you do that is carried out by quacks, is the same thing like wiring a time bomb within your premises and the worst thing is that you don’t even know when that bomb will explode.”

    Tahir said NEMSA has carried out remodeling of inherited assets from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the Federal Ministry of Power.

    The assets, according to him, are the National Meter Test Stations in Oshodi, Port Harcourt and Kaduna, Engineering and Chemical laboratory in Ijora, Lagos and the Inspectorate Field Offices at Eko, Lagos, Sokoto, Ilori, Ibadan, Maiduguri, and Kaduna.

    He said NEMSA has also established and commissioned the Meter Generation Museum/Gallery at Oshodi, and Lagos.

    He said the ones in Port Harcourt and Kaduna are yet to be commissioned.

    He also revealed that NEMSA has achieved 21,681 electrical installations projects that have been inspected and tested, out of which 13,154 have been certified.

    Tahir said the agency has monitored 16,624 electricity networks, and inspected, tested, and certified fit 4,921 factories, hazardous installations and public places.

    According to him, NEMSA has tested and calibrated 2,655,488 electricity meters and investigated 487 incidences.

  • NNPCL, Schlumberger to boost upstream operations

    NNPCL, Schlumberger to boost upstream operations

    As part of strategic reforms aimed at unlocking opportunities in the nation’s oil and gas industry, the NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ) and Schlumberger (SLB) at the weekend signed a technical partnership agreement towards bolstering upstream operations in the country.The agreement was signed at the NNPC Ltd’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

    Speaking shortly after the signing, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari described the ongoing reforms within the industry as a trigger for potential release of investments in the short term.

    “Quite a number of reforms are unfolding, and at the back of it is a potential release of investment that we are seeing in a very short term. Our physical environment is excellent today; contracting processes have been reviewed by virtue of the clear reforms Mr. President has put in place; and ultimately, we are already seeing substantial energy going into unlocking opportunities of today,” Kyari stated.

    Highlighting the numerous benefits of the partnership, Kyari said it would lead to increased activity and more drilling campaigns that will add value to the two organisations.

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    He revealed that NNPC was working on a rig share platform with a definite plan around well drilling activities and associated operations in the coming years, which, he further explained, would increase crude oil production and support the ongoing plan to deepen gas utilisation within the country.

    Kyari, who expressed confidence in the long-standing relationship between NNPC Ltd and Schlumberger (SLB), said the NNPC would leverage on the assets within its control to accelerate the values that will come from this partnership.

    “We are counting on Schlumberger (SLB) as our partners of 70 years. We are in business; we see the opportunities and strategic need to work with you and ultimately, we will create value for our country,” the GCEO noted.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Schlumberger (SLB), Mr. Olivier Le Peuch said the agreement was poised to accelerate the achievement of Nigeria’s exploration and production targets, which will foster Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

    “We are here to celebrate the strategic partnership that we signed with EnServ as a technical partner. This agreement is geared towards unlocking the capacities of EnServ for Nigeria, which potentially will help NNPC Ltd to achieve its exploration and production targets. We look forward to using this technical partnership as a springboard to accelerate the vision that the industry needs,” Le Peuch added.

    He noted that as a company that has been on the shores of Nigeria for 70 years, Schlumberger (SLB) remains committed to investing in local talents and building capacity through technology and performance.

     “We are pleased to be at the center of this transition and are in a position where we can bring our technical capability, technology, and capacity to the country so as to support the operations of NNPC Ltd,” he concluded.