Oluwasola Sanni, an experienced advocate for technology, has emphasized that the oil and gas sector is undergoing a substantial transformation propelled by digitalization. Companies are increasingly realizing the vast potential of digital solutions to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and elevate profitability.
Oluwasola elaborated on how digitalization strategies within the oil and gas industry encompass a diverse array of technologies, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing.
He highlighted that through the utilization of these tools, companies can glean valuable insights into their operations, pinpoint areas for enhancement, and make informed, data-driven decisions.
Furthermore, Oluwasola underscored that digitalization empowers oil and gas firms to enhance asset management by utilizing IoT sensors for monitoring equipment performance, anomaly detection, and maintenance forecasting. This proactive approach aids in minimizing downtime, enhancing operational efficiency, and prolonging asset lifespan.
“Data analytics furnishes a comprehensive understanding of operations, identifies trends, and guides decision-making. For instance, analytics optimizes production processes, curtails energy consumption, streamlines supply chain activities, and bolsters safety performance.”
As per a report by RigZone on 16th March 2021, the potentials of digitization and AI for the oil and gas industry, particularly in predictive maintenance, data optimization, and remote access, were prominently highlighted.
The expert further emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) automates mundane tasks, analyzes intricate data sets, and forecasts future outcomes. AI plays a pivotal role in refining drilling operations, advancing reservoir management, and boosting supply chain efficiency.
He elaborated that cloud computing reduces IT expenditures, enhances scalability, and fortifies data security. Cloud-based solutions facilitate collaboration and enable remote access to critical information.
He elaborated, “Nevertheless, for successful digitalization, meticulous planning, investment in infrastructure, a well-defined digital roadmap, and a proficient workforce are imperative. A robust data architecture is also essential, as it contextualizes data beyond existing silo data systems and ensures data availability with optimum quality and performance. Addressing cybersecurity concerns is crucial to safeguard sensitive data and avert disruptions.”
In conclusion, the expert stressed that digitalization plays a pivotal role in optimizing business processes and operational efficiency within the oil and gas industry. By embracing technologies such as data analytics, AI, IoT, and cloud computing, companies can enhance asset management, optimize production, bolster safety measures, and reduce expenditures.
A groundbreaking peer-reviewed study has revealed how innovative knowledge management practices are transforming Nigeria’s business landscape, providing compelling evidence that strategic knowledge systems are key drivers of sustainable growth, particularly for small and family-owned enterprises. Published in the Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental (Vol. 18, No. 5, 2024), the research offers one of the most comprehensive examinations to date of how knowledge creation, capture, sharing, transfer, training, and application influence business resilience, profitability, and expansion in emerging economies.
The article, titled “The Linkage Between Knowledge Management Practices and Sustainable Business Growth: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria,” was conducted by a distinguished, multidisciplinary team of scholars including Dr. Samuel Chukwudi Ilodigwe, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Ibadan. The scholars bring years of expertise in Marketing, Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Studiesto enhance the value of the article for socio-economic benefits.
Drawing on data from 503 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Lagos State Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, the researchers employed advanced statistical modeling to uncover the critical role of knowledge management in accelerating business sustainability. With 469 valid responses (a 93.2% response rate), the analysis revealed that knowledge management practices explained 25.2% of the variance in sustainable business growth (R² = 0.252, F(6, 461) = 27.167; p < 0.05), demonstrating a robust and statistically significant relationship.
Among the six dimensions examined, knowledge sharing emerged as the strongest predictor of growth, followed by knowledge capture and training. Conversely, knowledge creation and transfer showed negative coefficients, highlighting the urgent need for stronger innovation strategies and intergenerational succession mechanisms in family-owned firms.
The study’s findings carry important policy and practical implications. For policymakers, the research calls for frameworks that promote digitalization, formal knowledge-sharing systems, and leadership transition planning to safeguard institutional memory. For entrepreneurs, it provides a data-driven argument for integrating knowledge management practices into daily operations to enhance competitiveness, workforce stability, and market positioning.
Importantly, this study extends the Knowledge-Based Theory of the Firm to the context of developing economies, addressing a critical gap in global scholarship. While prior research has largely focused on large corporations in advanced markets, this study demonstrates how knowledge systems can foster resilience, innovation, and economic diversification in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria.
The research contends that institutionalizing knowledge management practices is no longer optional but essential for building enterprises capable of withstanding economic shocks, fostering innovation, and achieving long-term sustainability. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and expand employment opportunities, the study offers an evidence-based roadmap for strengthening SMEs, the backbone of the nation’s industrial sector.
With its rigorous methodology, international publication, and actionable insights, this research represents a scholarly breakthrough with real-world economic significance, highlighting the critical link between knowledge, innovation, and sustainable growth in emerging markets. Strategic knowledge management is a key driver of sustainable growth for Nigerian SMEs, making it essential to institutionalize these practices to foster innovation, safeguard institutional memory, and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Shell PLC has denied speculations that it was leaving Nigeria after selling its onshore business in the Niger Delta.
Contrary to claims making waves on social media, Shell, an international energy and petrochemical company, is selling its onshore business in Nigeria but not leaving the country.
In a meeting with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Alh Bamanga Jada, the Shell management team said it intended “to remain a long-term partner of Nigeria, supporting the country’s growing energy needs and export ambitions in areas that are aligned with our strategy.”
Jada received the delegation from Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) and Shell Energy Nigeria on a courtesy call on Thursday, 8th February, at the authority’s office in Maitama, Abuja.
The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas, Mr. Ralph Gbobo stated in the meeting that SNG’s main business is downstream gas distribution to industries in Nigeria with a presence across the nation at Otta, Aba and Port Harcourt and currently penetrating Bayelsa state.
He also stated that there is an ongoing effort to collaborate with the government of Oyo state. He further disclosed that SNG currently distributes about 60-70 million scuffs daily, hinting to the OGFZA boss and management that SNG is now diversifying into offshore activities and gas distribution.
While announcing the changes in its Nigerian business structure, the company said, subject to following regulatory approvals, it would sell Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).
The onshore business is to be acquired by Renaissance, a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group. The companies are ND Western, Aradel Energy, First Exploration and Production (First E&P), Waltersmith, and Petrolin.
The SPDC is the operator of the NNPC/SPDC/Total Energies/NAOC joint venture, which comprises Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (55 per cent holding), SPDC (30 per cent), Total Energies (10 per cent), and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (5 per cent).
The delegation, however, made a case for the removal of bottlenecks for accessibility to enable them to carry out their enumeration exercise in the Onne/Ikpokiri Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State.
Responding to the delegation, the OGFZA boss assured them of the authority’s readiness for collaboration, stating that OGFZA is responsible for promoting, securing and sustaining investments in the nation’s oil and gas-free zones.
He urged them to explore other gas hubs in the Oil and Gas Free Zones such as Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone in Akwa Ibom State and Orashi Energy City in Imo state which has recently been declared a free zone under the regulation of OGFZA by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the newly declared free zone is the largest in Nigeria with a land mass of over 140,000 hectares and a huge gas deposit.
He further disclosed that Orashi Energy City has the potential to attract over US$8b of Foreign Direct Investment. Jada then assured the visiting delegation of the authority’s commitment to remove all bottlenecks that might cause a hindrance to ease of doing business in the zones, adding that the Authority would continue to provide a conducive environment for investors operating in the zones.
Jada applauded SNG for their interest in committing more resources and investments into Nigeria and their confidence to partner with OGFZA.
He clarified the notion that investors are exiting Nigeria to neighbouring countries, affirming that investors are not leaving Nigeria but rather diversifying and making new investments into more environmentally friendly energy sources, stating that gas is very critical to national development.
The OGFZA helmsman on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, assured the investors of the protection and security of their investments in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure additional investment in the oil and gas sector thereby driving the ‘Renewed Hope mandate’ to expand investment and also create jobs to help ease the unemployed population in Nigeria, Jada through his agency has secured a massive investment in the energy, Oil and gas sector with the introduction of APM Terminals Global who is currently constructing a $112 million state-of-the-art facility with an addition of $500 million over the next four years to boost operational efficiency and drive standard delivery in capacity and also create over 1.8million direct and indirect jobs.
This was made known at a meeting hosted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Thursday, 8 February, at the Bank of Industry head office in Abuja.
Also in attendance was Mr Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Emmanuel Nwagwu, COO of Nesgas; Frederik Klinke, COO of APM Terminals Nigeria; Keith Svendson, CEO of APM Terminals Global; Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority and a host of others.
APM Terminals Global further pledged its commitment to breathe fresh life into the oil and gas sector in support of the industrialization quest of Nigeria and also to boost local production of Oil and gas to attract Foreign Direct Investment FDI and save forex.
While addressing the meeting, Bamanga disclosed that investments and job creation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is something of high interest and it will also drive employment for 900,000 skilled and unskilled workers.
He disclosed: “The Special Economic Zones have become magnets for Foreign Direct Investment FDI, thanks to Mr President’s unwavering support for enhancing productivity and building a resilient and sustainable economy.”
He further stated that other massive investments are ongoing in the oil and gas sector with the addition and construction of a 50,000 metric ton storage facility by Nesgas LPG which will be a game changer in both domestic and international LPG markets.
He said: “The construction of this facility is projected to create over 100,000 direct employments and help launch 500,000 enterprises. This venture underscores the untapped opportunities across Nigeria and Africa and positions Nigeria as a key player in the global gas supply chain.”
Dr Uzoka-Anite also applauded and welcomed their unwavering dedication to the massive growth by injecting life and hope into the Nigerian economy as she said it’s a clear demonstration of sharing the same vision to ensure more investors see Nigeria as a destination for investment with massive Return on Investment ROI due to the large population and enormous availability of natural resources in commercial quantity.
She also disclosed her readiness and that of the government to assist when the need arises.
She noted: “Our administration is committed to making doing business seamless. With our policies thereby expunging all bottlenecks, I am more than sure that in the next few months, the surge in investment in Nigeria will be on the rise. We are committed to making the ease of doing business work in Nigeria.”
Speaking on behalf of Alternative Petroleum Power Limited (APPL), Mr Emmanuel Nwagwu harped on the value of green energy. He spoke about the achievements of APPL, which is expected to export 520 metric tons of green and blue hydrogen and generate 300,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
Mr Keith Svendson disclosed that the nearly $100 million in investments that APM Terminals has made in the port infrastructure of Nigeria will assist towards sustainable energy solutions which will tap into Nigeria’s enormous natural gas reserves.
He also stressed the need for the government to ensure a total overhauling and upgrade of Apapa Ports as it would enhance commercial and economic growth thereby attracting additional investment into the country.
A policy analyst group, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), has commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the twenty-eight-year-old dispute over the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245.
The group said the President acted in national interest based on the potential economic benefits of developing the oil block.
The group in a statement by its Chairman, Chief Niyi Akinsiju said the decision was a welcome intervention in government-corporate entanglements.
Akinsiju noted that OPL 245 holds a total estimated value of 9 billion barrels of crude which Nigeria has not been able to exploit or benefit from since 1998 when it was first sold controversially to Malabu Oil and Gas.
“Like many Nigerians, we are familiar with the history of its controversial sale in August 1998 on the watch of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company owned by the then former Petroleum Resources Minister, Dan Etete.
“Since that sale, the transaction has remained the subject of various litigations starting with the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2001, who terminated the sale and, in turn, handed it to Shell without a public bid.
“This, rather than resolve the matter, triggered a deluge of criticism and calls to redeem the transaction that now extended to Malabu on one hand, and Shell and the Italian firm, ENI on the other hand when the President Goodluck Jonathan administration facilitated a $1.3billion settlement among the different claimants to the ownership of the oil fields.
“The matter remained unresolved from the sovereign point of view upon which the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari initiated a legal challenge against the sale based on the suspicion of corruption in the $1.3bn settlement by Shell and ENI which was facilitated by the Nigerian Government. We, however, observed that beginning in 2023, there had been moves to terminate the case in court.” IMPI stated.
The group maintained that a negotiated settlement is the best option open to the country after suffering huge losses in legal disputes across the world.
“It is against this backdrop that we welcome the President’s approval of a negotiated settlement to pave the way for oil prospecting in the lucrative oil block that has been described as one of Africa’s juiciest but which had been idle for nearly 30 years despite holding billions of barrels of crude oil.
“This will go a long way in boosting the country’s daily crude and gas production output, meaning more revenue at a time the country has, for years, been struggling to meet its OPEC quota.
“It is our considered opinion that a negotiated settlement is a far better option than continuing with long-drawn legal disputes which the country spent huge resources on without success.
“What the President has approved is cost-effective, and the benefits of crude and associated gas deposits estimated at nine billion barrels is massive in a country yearning for more foreign investors.
“The earlier Nigeria begins to exploit OPL 245, the better given the country’s commitment to Net zero emissions based on the 2050 Global Energy Transition Plan timeline.”
Akinsiju urged the President to speed up the process of issuing an Oil Mining Licence (OML) to either of the two international oil companies or both given their reported interest in further developing the oil block.
He asked the government to take concrete steps to ensure that licensing processes for oil blocks are done in a manner devoid of controversy.
The federal government has urged technical partners to come up with measures on how to upscale the production of hydrogen for utilization in Nigeria.
Hydrogen is a green energy that is highly valuable for fueling in the transport sector and also for electricity generation. Besides, it is used in the production of fertilizer.
Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Director General, Abdullahi Mustapha, who made the call, revealed that the major barrier to the utilization of hydrogen is how to upscale its production.
He spoke in Abuja at an event tagged: “Kick off Meeting/Stakeholders’ Interaction on the Nigeria 4H2 Project Titled “A Critical Analysis of the Potentials, Infrastructure and Other Enabling Framework Conditions For Green Hydrogen to Fertilizer Production in Nigeria.”
He said: “The problem we are facing in the utilization of hydrogen department today is how we can upscale the production of hydrogen. It is not just the utilization but how we can produce it.
“How are we producing, that is the challenge we are having today.
The technical partners we have here should teach us how we can produce more hydrogen for utilization.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said while Nigeria continued to harness its oil and gas resources, it remains open to exploring opportunities in hydrogen.
According to the minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Nicholas Ella, Nigeria, endowed with rich oil and gas infrastructure, occupies a unique position to leverage its expertise and infrastructure in transitioning towards its hydrogen potential.
Ekpo noted: “This prospect for synergy between conventional and sustainable energy is vast, and we must seize this opportunity to diversify our energy portfolio.”
He described the workshop as a nexus for collaboration, where industry leaders, policymakers , and innovators converge to carve a sustainable path forward.
The minister urged the stakeholders to explore the delicate balance between maintaining the resilience of the nation’s oil and gas sector and fostering the growth of green technologies.
Speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, explained that green hydrogen results from splitting water molecules into Hydrogen and Oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources.
According to him, it offers excellent potential to address the detrimental impacts of climate change occasioned by the release of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels into the environment while also serving as viable and sustainable pathways for alternative energy generation, industrial development, environmentally friendly transport fuel, methanol production, fertilizer production among other economic uses.
Nnaji noted that the global demand for hydrogen will likely climax at about 700 million metric tons (MT) by the year 2050, with annual hydrogen production projected to increase by 9.2% annually until 2030.
He said: “Therefore, there is no better time for Nigeria to plug into this opportunity to avoid playing catch-up with the Western world. As a country, Nigeria must play a critical and leading role in the global energy transition.
“Nigeria enjoys abundant sunshine, with an average of 11 hours of sun daily. Hence, Nigeria has immense solar radiation potential to power electrolyzers for hydrogen production. This potential makes Nigeria a critical stakeholder in the world energy transition.
“The application of green hydrogen in fertilizer production is fast gaining attention globally. Ammonia, made from hydrogen, is also an input in urea fertilizer. This opportunity presents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture. Ammonia, synthesized from green hydrogen and nitrogen from the air, provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers.
“Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions can safeguard our environment while ensuring food security for future generations.
“The concerted efforts of scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industries are necessary to achieve the tall vision of a net zero carbon environment and sustainable agriculture.
“Nigeria is one of the world’s leading crude oil producers, accounting for over 50% of its GDP.”
According to him, an essential goal of the NIGERIA4H2 Project is to critically analyze the potentials, infrastructure and other enabling framework conditions for Green hydrogen to fertilizer production in Nigeria.
The project, said Nnaji, which the German Government supports through the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), will undoubtedly contribute immensely to the diversification strategy of the Federal Government towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The minister said: “The great importance placed on considering different pathways to industrializing Nigeria accounts for the presence of critical Ministers/Ministries in this event. The Ministers/Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Water Resources and Sanitation, Environment, Power, Trade and Industries, Budget and National Planning and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy are either here or very strongly represented.
“With our Ministry’s renewed drive to attract and mainstream frontier technology that will drive industrial growth and propel Nigeria toward becoming a One-trillion- dollar economy, we must explore new sources and advance in Science and Technology.
“Thus, we are partnering with the consortia as a service ministry to connect all stakeholders in the hydrogen sector’s upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
“The Ministry intends to facilitate an environment for co- development of a national policy framework for Green Hydrogen by all stakeholders. This will ensure the sector’s rapid, robust, and all-inclusive development.
“I believe at the end of this meeting, all the stakeholders would have jointly identified and situated the expected players in the emergent hydrogen industry value chain in Nigeria, as well as the critical technical, environmental and policy framework for the exploitation of the Green Hydrogen potential of Nigeria.”
The need to inject more capital investment into the power sector remains very critical to expanding the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity across the country. Besides, such investments, experts say, offers good returns on investment (RoI) in the long term.
Although progress has been made in reforming Nigeria’s electricity industry, stakeholders maintain that a lot more capital investment is required if the desired level is to be attained.
Chairman, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Dr. Dere Otubu, emphasised this while addressing a gathering of investors and business community at the Nigeria-India Business Council’s (NIBC) India Trade Mission to Nigeria in Abuja.
“Nigeria has enormous potential in the power sector that can be unlocked with sufficient capital injection from investors seeking long-term returns,” Otubu said.
She said though the group acknowledged the challenges faced by the power sector, it stressed the urgency of adopting innovative solutions, including emphasising the need for increased investment in the power sector to meet the growing energy demands of Nigeria.
He stated: “The power sector is the backbone of any thriving economy, and as we witness the dynamic growth in Nigeria, it is imperative to inject more resources into power to bring about the desired growth.
This will not only address the current energy deficit but also lay the foundation for sustainable economic development.”
Highlighting the market opportunities, he said only about 55 percent of Nigerians have access to electricity, indicating room for growth as more consumers get connected to the grid.
At the Forum, themed “Expanding Trade and Investment Opportunities Between Nigeria and India”
Otubu, who is the Vice President of the NIBC, highlighted the pivotal role that sustained investments play in ensuring a robust and reliable power infrastructure. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between Nigeria and India in driving advancements in the energy sector and in other sectors.
The Nigeria-India Business Council facilitates partnerships between businesses in the two countries.
Rivers State Government has recognised the Managing Director of Dagrow Resources Limited, Daniel Agara, presenting him with the Award for Digital Transformation Excellence in the State’s Energy Sector.
The honour celebrates Agara’s visionary leadership and pioneering initiatives that have dramatically enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability within the state’s vital energy and industrial ecosystem.
Under Agara’s direction, Dagrow Resources has implemented several cutting-edge technologies. These innovations include AI-driven analytics, drone-based pipeline inspections, and predictive maintenance systems, all of which have significantly improved productivity, safety, and cost efficiency across local operations. The government noted that his leadership has been instrumental in positioning Rivers as a regional hub for technological innovation in energy and infrastructure management.
Beyond his company’s corporate success, Agara has been a strong advocate for digital inclusion and youth empowerment. His efforts have fostered substantial capacity building among local professionals and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), equipping them to thrive in Nigeria’s evolving technology-driven economy.
The state also commended his dedication to aligning private-sector innovation with the state’s broader vision for sustainable industrial growth and regional competitiveness.
Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Agara described the recognition as a powerful validation of the hard work, vision, and dedication of his entire team. He emphasised that the company’s achievements stem from a fundamental belief that technology is not just a tool; it’s the engine for a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future for our state’s energy sector.
Agara highlighted the specific innovations his company has adopted, including AI-driven analytics, drone-based inspections, and predictive maintenance. “Seeing these technologies translate into improved productivity and enhanced safety has been immensely rewarding,” he noted.
Beyond technology, Agara stressed the broader social mission of Dagrow Resources. “I am particularly passionate about the wider impact this digital shift has on our people,” he said, underscoring that their work goes beyond generating profit to include digital inclusion and youth empowerment.
The Chairman of Skymark Energy and Power, Alhaji Muhammad Saleh Hassan, has saluted the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari on his birthday.
While felicitating the longest-serving CEO of the NNPCL who is also the first GCEO of the nation’s oil conglomerate, Hassan also lauded President Bola Tinubu for acknowledging Kyari’s sterling performance in a birthday message to him.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Hassan who urged Kyari to do more, highlighted some of his numerous achievements.
He said: “Kyari’s track record performance are humongous. Before July 7, 2019, when he assumed the position of GCEO, the company had been in a near comatose, following challenges such as oil pipeline vandalism, corruption, incessant oil theft, low production levels and the lack of transparency. But through his professionalism, patriotism and doggedness, he proffered solutions to them all.
“Through his initiatives, he transformed the NNPC from a loss status to a profitable entity in 2020 when, for the first time in its 44 years history, NNPCL declared a profit after tax of N287 billion. This figure later increased to N674 billion in 2021. The profit has since hit trillion naira capacity since then.
“Also through his management skills, the corporation has been witnessing increase in crude oil production.
“His active roles in the passage of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by former president, Muhammadu Buhari, on August 16, 2021 guaranteed the rebirth of the oil company as the rejuvenated NNPCL.
“The ongoing rehabilitation of the nation’s three refineries in Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt, is also an outcome of Kyari’s initiative and commitment to find solution to the perennial fuel scarcity and price hike in the country.
“He was also instrumental in the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government as announced on May 29, 2023, by Tinubu’s administration. The initiative has started yielding dividends in appreciable proportions.
“Kyari is also the first NNPC’s CEO to go all the way to the creeks in the Niger Delta to monitor oil theft and pipeline vandalisation. His war against crude oil theft and illegal refineries have led to a significant increase in oil production.
“This doggedness has curbed oil theft through the introduction of Saudi Aramco’s model, using video surveillance to monitor pipelines carrying crude oil from wells to flow stations in the Niger Delta.
“With his investment-friendly interest in the oil and gas sector, Kyari ensured that the NNPCL secured $7 billion fresh investments from India for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry. The deal was sealed when he accompanied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to India.
“Kyari’s contributions to national development and economic prosperity has gone beyond the NNPCL as the company, last year, secured a $3 billion facility from Afreximbank to enable the Federal Government stabilise the foreign exchange market and boost the value of the naira against the dollar.
“Under his administration, the NNPCL, last year, sealed a deal with Fox Petroleum Group to obtain $7.5 billion dollars to overhaul its operations across the upstream, mainstream and downstream petroleum sector.
“During Kyari’s administration, the NNPCL signed an MOU last year with a Chinese company to develop an LNG project that would deliver gas to industries nation wide to guarantee efficient supply of LNG with a view to delivering on President Tinubu’s gas and power aspiration across the country.”
Hassan, who lauded Kyari’s unalloyed commitment, integrity, character and passion, urged him to keep steering the wheels of the company in the direction of excellence and success in fulfilment of the aspirations of the masses.
“You have the capacity. You have all it takes. You have the passion. You have demonstrated integrity, resilience, perseverance and goodwill in managing the nation’s oil industry. With the testament of the president’s message to you as you celebrate your birthday today, it’s crystal-clear that not only him but also the whole nation still reposes confidence in you to do more. I encourage you to maintain your midas touch and your indefatigable capacity with the hope that excellence shall remain your second name throughout your tenure at the NNPCL,” Hassan said.
Hassan described the president as a man of goodwill who cherishes credibility, integrity, quality, result and track record performance whenever he notices them among any technocrat that he rightly put in position.
“It is in this spirit that he has graciously commended Kyari in his birthday message to him as the boss of the nation’s oil giant celebrates his birthday today,” Hassan stressed.
The Skymark Energy and Power Ltd boss added that Kyari’s commendation was well deserved, having unarguably demonstrated capacity with pungent results in diverse ways at the NNPCL with a midas touch.
Hassan noted that Tinubu’s acknowledgement of Kyari’s performance and commendation, would surely encourage him to do more and thanked him (the president) for the recognition.
“The president is a leader that has passion for performance and result, especially because he himself is passionate about running a credible government that could bequeath dividends of democracy to the people. It’s against this backdrop that he has lauded Kyari on the occasion of his birthday. Obviously, he would keep getting the desired results,” Hassan noted.
Recall that the president had commended the diligence, passion, and expertise the foremost geologist brings to tasks as one of the longest-tenured chief executives in the history of Africa’s most valuable energy company in a birthday message to Kyari signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.
“Mele is a man of action, rather than words. He is proactive in his approach. His ability to diagnose complicated problems with thoughtful and pragmatic solutions has created a path for him to continue rendering valuable service to our nation. I wish him a happy birthday,” the president said.
“President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah grant the business executive more wisdom and strength in his service to Nigeria,” the statement added.
Hassan called on stakeholders, including the masses, to keep on supporting Kyari as he maintains commitment to taking the nation’s oil industry to the next level with a view to guaranteeing their aspirations.
Many approach business like a brawl in which they must fight bare-knuckle to succeed. But Neconde Energy approaches it like an art; business to the energy player manifests as the synthesis of all creative and entrepreneurial physics.
It is hardly the doing of any one man but the concerted efforts of scores of genii of different stripes and mindsets. It is the collaboration of the deeply creative, pragmatic, subtle and critical spirit of a team. The sum of all these efforts finally transmutes into a successful enterprise.
Nonetheless, there is no gainsaying that the world of business equally manifests, like a perilous coast rippling with storms. Amid the turbulence, Neconde Energy rides the tides, steered by an unyielding spirit and a team of genii.
So far, the latter has guided the franchise through the bittersweet, cut-throat world of global commerce with astounding results. As you read, Necondes Energy subsists as one of the very few viable enterprises in Nigeria’s mainstream oil sector.
Its strategic business model though fundamentally designed to make immense profit from the global business terrain, seeks to increase the organisation’s positive impact on both local and global socioeconomic sectors.
The future of energy resilience is optimally on display in the operations of Neconde Energy; the company has successfully created its niche as an innovative player designed to furnish the energy sector with unrelenting verve, capital, utility and human resources.
The goal, according to the company’s management is to develop systems to help make the energy sector more profitable and resilient. The company is showing what can happen when the right conditions converge to support crucial players in the local energy sector.
Established in November 26, 2010, Neconde Energy Limited stands as an independent oil and gas company, serving as a specialized vehicle for acquiring and developing petroleum assets. The company’s primary focus is on exploring and producing oil and gas assets for sale in Nigeria’s crude oil and gas stock market.
Neconde Energy Limited secured a 45% stake in the OML 42 field after a successful bid for its acquisition in January 2011. NEPL, formerly NPDC, stands as its partner with a 55% stake in the field.
Throughout its existence, Neconde has thrived, credited to its high corporate value centred on superior service delivery, innovative leadership, and world-class standards within the oil and gas industry. In 2019, the company spearheaded an alternative crude oil evacuation method, showcasing its innovative prowess as an industry leader.
The company’s success is further propelled by its Board of Directors, comprised of seasoned industry professionals with extensive regional and global expertise. These professionals contribute diverse skills, steering the company as an innovative and leading industry player. Here are the profiles of the board members:
Mr. Franz Wohlfart: Recently appointed as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Franz Wohlfart brings over 23 years of oil and gas industry experience across Austria, Romania, and Russia. He has held various positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of TDE, Director of Workover Division in OMV, and Deputy Director of Drilling at ROSNEFT Upstream.
Mr. Musa Bello Mustapha: An Independent Non-Executive Director with over 28 years of oil and gas industry experience, Musa Bello Mustapha served as the pioneer Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited. He has held significant roles within the Federal Government of Nigeria and the EFCC.
Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa: With over three decades of banking and finance experience, Abdulrahman Yinusa’s career spans various financial institutions. He has held executive roles in banking, including Managing Director/CEO and CFO positions. He currently chairs the Audit Committee of Neconde’s Board.
Mr. Ubaka Emelumadu: An Energy Consultant with over 35 years of oil industry experience, Ubaka Emelumadu served as General Manager and Vice President of Gas at Shell Nigeria. He also held executive positions at SPDC and chaired the Board of Shell Nigeria Gas.
Mr. Akin Oparison: A Senior Fellow at the Lagos Business School, Akin Oparison has over 25 years of management and leadership experience in multinational companies. He specializes in leadership development and organizational excellence.
Mr. Sambo Ahmadu: Retired as Group General Manager in charge of Group Finance for NNPC, Sambo Ahmadu boasts over 35 years of experience in both public and private sectors in Nigeria and the USA. He holds professional accounting qualifications and currently serves on several Boards of Directors.
Mr. Wolfgang Goetsch: With over 30 years of professional experience in various management positions, Wolfgang Goetsch served as Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for nearly 10 years. He currently holds the position of Executive Vice-President in ILF Consulting Engineers and chairs Neconde’s Nomination, Remuneration & Governance Committee.
Uche Val Obi SAN: The Managing Partner of Alliance Law Firm, Uche Val Obi SAN heads the firm’s transaction, corporate commercial, and dispute resolution practice. He holds several prestigious degrees, including a Master of Laws Degree and a Master of Business Administration, and is recognized as a Top Lawyer by Chambers Global 500.
Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi: The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, an MBA, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration. He’s also the Executive Chairman of the Obijackson Group of Companies, established over 35 years ago.
Recently, Neconde Energy Limited concluded its annual retreat for Board Directors and Executive Management, strategizing for enhanced effectiveness and future productivity. Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi emphasised that the diverse and accomplished directors underscore Neconde’s commitment to sustained leadership, innovation, and excellence in the oil and gas industry, ensuring the company’s continued success and prominence in the market.
No fewer than 100 civil society groups have passed a vote of confidence on the Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office (NMCO), Obadiah Simon Nkom, for his exceptional and transformative leadership in the agency.
The groups, under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Rights Movement, said that Engr Nkom has effectively and efficiently aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In a press conference on Monday, December 4, in Abuja, the convener of the group, Nwogu Ndubisi, said Nkom has made a significant impact at the NMCO – particularly in the implementation of a modern and efficient cadastral system.
Ndubisi added that the NMCO DG has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ethical practices and good governance.
He said: “Today, we stand here united as a collective voice of the Nigeria Civil Rights Movement, to express our profound appreciation and admiration for the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office (NMCO) and its exceptional alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are honoured to extend our heartfelt commendation to the, for his unwavering dedication, supportive role, and tireless efforts in building a brighter future for our great nation.
“One of the key achievements of the NMCO has been its successful implementation of a modern and efficient cadastral system. This system has revolutionized the way mining rights and licenses are managed, ensuring that the process is streamlined, transparent, and devoid of corruption. By embracing cutting-edge technology and best practices, the NMCO has not only enhanced accountability but has also attracted local and foreign investments, leading to increased revenue generation and job opportunities for our fellow Nigerians.
“In addition to these achievements, Engr. Nkom has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ethical practices and good governance. His dedication to fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism within the NMCO has not only earned the trust and respect of industry stakeholders but has also set a benchmark for excellence. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, Engr. Nkom has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development within the mining sector.
“Furthermore, the Nigeria Civil Rights Movement is mesmerized by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible mining practices that have been demonstrated by the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office over the years.
“We know that Environmental degradation is a pressing concern in today’s world, and it is heartening to witness the NMCO’s dedication to mitigating the negative impacts of mining activities on our precious ecosystems. Through the enforcement of stringent environmental regulations, the NMCO has set a high standard for responsible mining, ensuring that our natural resources are protected for future generations.
He further stated: “In addition to its operational achievements, the NMCO has also prioritized capacity building and human resource development. Recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential for the success of any organization, the NMCO has invested in training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives. By empowering its staff and stakeholders with the necessary skills and expertise, the NMCO has positioned itself as a centre of excellence, contributing to the overall growth and professionalism of the mining sector.
“Engr. Obadiah has shown exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of our nation. His visionary approach, strategic thinking, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in transforming the NMCO into a beacon of hope and progress. Under his guidance, the NMCO has become a shining example of how a government institution can effectively align itself with the aspirations of the people and the vision of a transformative leader.”
The groups, therefore, expressed confidence that NMCO will continue to play a pivotal role in the realizlsation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, propelling our nation towards unprecedented heights of prosperity and development.
