The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NNPCL

  • NNPCL announces 1.8mb/d crude oil production 

    NNPCL announces 1.8mb/d crude oil production 

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the achievement of 1.8million barrels per day production of crude oil.

    The company attributed the feat to the dedication of its  team work in the last weeks.

    Owing to the announcement of the achievement, its  board chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure charged the firm to hit 3mb/d in December 2024.

    Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Malam Mele Kyari, had directed the Production War Room Officer, Mr. Lawal Musa to present the data of the feat at the press briefing in Abuja.

    Musa said “congratulations on exceeding 1.8mbopd ! This accomplishment reflects the dedication of all teams over the past weeks. Moving forward let’s build on this momentum and push towards our 2 MB/d by year end.”

    He said the NNPCL contributed 80 per cent of the production figure. 

    Responding, Akinyelure commended the management team of the NNPCL on increasing production to 1.8mb/d.

    He said he was elated due to the economic impact the production would have on the company’s cash flow of operating income from now to year end.

    Akinyelure urged the state-owned oil firm to consider the 1.8mb/d as a base of the landmarks it should improve on.

    The board chairman, who charged NNPCL not to fall below the present production figure, asked it to plan for the attainment of 3mb/d in December.

    His words: “It is a matter of great pleasure to be here today to be part of this successful display of the success of the management team increasing our production to 1.8mb. 

    “I am very happy because we know the economic impact it will generate to our income and at this point I will also like the management to give us a cash flow of operating income between now and December.

    “This is just the beginning we want to see more landmarks accomplishments at this level.

    ” The rule is we should make sure we do not fall below this level. I am hoping that by  December you should be talking of about 3mb/d. Let it be a plan.”

    Kyari extolled the War Room team that recovered the nation’s oil production from its low level of 21st June, 2024. 

    He said that NNPCL will not only recover production, it will raise it to the expected level.

    He said President Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the company to raise production to a level that is acceptable to the shareholders in the short and long term.  

    Kyari insisted that it is possible to attain the 2mb/d with the support of the board, ministers, and security agencies.

    Read Also: NNPCL, Dangote sign gas supply deal

    Tantita Security Services has upped its game recently resulting in arrest of numerous crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta region.

    The private security firm alongside government security agencies were in the past week responsible for the uncovering of 15 illegal pipeline connections and 68 illegal refineries.

    But speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), said he was excited that Kyari has been able to deliver that we set up a war room to ramping up production.

    He tasked NNPCL strive to achieve 2.5mb/d in December as it did during the COVID 19.

  • Ohanaeze youth council lauds Kyari’s reforms at NNPCL

    Ohanaeze youth council lauds Kyari’s reforms at NNPCL

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has expressed optimism in the ongoing reforms at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), noting that it will engender socioeconomic growth both in the oil company and the country as a whole.

    According to a statement on behalf of the council by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he said the recent advancements in crude oil production and ongoing leadership reforms under the leadership of  Melee Kyari has the potential to guarantee a brighter future for the organisation.

    In the statement which reads in part, Nnabuike said: “This week, NNPCL announced that it has achieved a milestone production rate of 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day, with plans to reach two million barrels by December 2024, in line with the targets set by President Bola Tinubu. 

    “We also welcome the recent leadership appointments within NNPCL, including the appointments of Mr. Adedapo Segun as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi as Executive Vice President (EVP) for Downstream, and Mr. Udobong Ntia as EVP for Upstream.

    “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide is pleased to see the positive changes within NNPCL, which we believe indicate a promising path forward for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This 1.8 million barrels per day milestone represents a phenomenal achievement, reflecting the commitment of NNPCL’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of our security forces in protecting national resources.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze Youths urge Soludo to end leadership crisis in APGA

    “We would like to take this opportunity to urge Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts by Chief Mele Kyari and the NNPCL management in sustaining this progress. We encourage the continued prioritisation of individuals with the expertise to further elevate NNPCL’s impact on our national economy.

    “However, while we commend NNPCL’s achievements, we must also address the economic realities faced by Nigerians. Many are struggling under the weight of high petrol prices, and we call upon Chief Kyari and NNPCL to urgently review and adjust the current petrol pricing template. A reduction in petrol prices would provide much-needed relief to Nigerians during these challenging times.

    “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide remains committed to supporting efforts that will uplift our economy and enhance the well-being of our people. We look forward to further progress and are confident that NNPCL’s current path holds promise for a revitalised Nigerian economy.”

  • NNPCL removes CFO, announces three appointments

    NNPCL removes CFO, announces three appointments

    Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Umar Ajiya has been replaced.

    The company’s spokesman Olufemi Soneye announced Adedapo A. Segun as Umar’s replacement in a statement.

    Soneye also announced the appointment of Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi as Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream and Mr. Udobong Ntia as Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

    Abdullahi replaces Adedapo.

    The statement reads in part: “The Board of Directors of NNPC Limited is pleased to announce a series of strategic leadership appointments.

    “These changes reflect our continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector.

    “The following key appointments have been made: Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Segun previously served as the Executive Vice President, Downstream, where he made significant contributions to the company’s downstream operations.

    Read Also: NNPCL pays $4.68b debt to IOCs

    “Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been named Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream. 3. Mr. Udobong Ntia has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

    “These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

    “The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.

    “NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritising the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.”

  • NNPCL, Dangote sign agreement for 10-year gas supply

    NNPCL, Dangote sign agreement for 10-year gas supply

    A subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), has executed a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

    The agreement, signed by the Managing Director, NGML, Barr. Justin Ezeala
    and the President/CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote on Wednesday at the
    Corporate Head Office of Dangote in Falomo, Lagos State, outlines the supply
    of natural gas for power generation and feedstock at the Dangote Refinery, in
    Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

    This was contained in a statement by NNPCL, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye.

    He said the agreement is a major milestone in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of utilising Nigeria’s abundant gas resources towards revamping the nation’s industrial growth and kickstarting its economic prosperity.

    This development, which sees a huge investment of this nature penned with
    zero capital expenditure (CAPEX) outlay, has been described by many as
    unprecedented in the history of NGML or any gas Local Distribution Company
    (LDC) in the country.

    Under the terms of the agreement, NGML will supply 100 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D), 50MMSCF/D being firm supply and the rest 50MMSCF/D interruptible natural gas supply to the refinery for an initial period of 10 years, with options for renewal and growth.

    The statement also revealed that the collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring the operational success
    of the Dangote Refinery and enhancing Nigeria’s domestic gas utilization.

    Read Also: NNPCL pays $4.68b debt to IOCs

    NNPC Ltd, through NGML, its gas marketing subsidiary, continues to lead efforts in promoting the use of domestic gas to support industries and businesses nationwide.

    The agreement represents a milestone for both NNPC Ltd and Dangote Refinery, aligning with their shared commitment to boosting local production and providing vital products for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    It is also a further proof of NGML’s unwavering commitment to business excellence and fulfilling NNPC Ltd’s core mandate of ensuring Nigeria’s energy security through the execution of strategic gas projects across the country.

  • NNPCL pays $4.68b debt to IOCs

    NNPCL pays $4.68b debt to IOCs

    • Nigeria eyes 30% increase in oil output

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) said it has paid outstanding $4.68 billion cash call debt to the five international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria.

    NNPCL said it no longer owe any dues, a breakthrough achieved following the total removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

    Nigeria yesterday expects a 30 per cent increase in crude and condensate output as authorities strengthen security around the nation’s oil infrastructure and incentives in the sector attract investment, even though the gain could cross its OPEC+ commitment to limit production.

    Output will reach 2 million barrels a day before the end of the year from 1.54 million barrels in September, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    “As at today the country’s crude oil production plus condensate is 1.8 million barrels per day and we’re pushing, working with everyone to increase it to two million barrels a day before December,” Executive Commissioner NUPRC, Enorense Amadasu, said at a conference in Lagos.

    Speaking at the 42nd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference & Exhibition in, Lagos, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, said the cash calls in oil sector which are funding requests by NNPCL and its joint venture (JV)  partners—including companies like Mobil, Chevron, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Agip—to cover capital and operational expenses for oil projects.

    Kyari, in his presentation, commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end subsidy payments, describing it as a critical move towards Nigeria’s economic health.

    “This decision, although initially challenging with impacts on inflation and the cost of commodities, was necessary to halt the harmful practice of petrol subsidies.

    “President Tinubu has effectively stopped Nigeria from ‘smoking cigarettes,’ restoring the nation’s economic health,” he said.

    Kyari acknowledged that while the subsidy removal may cause temporary financial strain, he encouraged more prudent energy use.

    “When SUV drivers realise they’re spending N100, 000 per tank, they’ll reconsider their habits, and public transportation will likely see resurgence.

    Read Also: NNPCL distances self from bottled adulterated fuel

    “Now the public transportation system will return, and people will now transfer those transactions into useful ventures.

    “In the past, the quickest way to spend was on subsidised fuel, but now Nigerians can invest their savings more productively, potentially in the stock market,” he said.

    He said NNPCL can now prioritise its core focus on the upstream sector, noting that the subsidy burden often forced the company to divert funds, leading to cash call defaults with JV partners.

    “With this distraction eliminated, we no longer owe any of our partners,” Kyari said.

    He added that that financial stability allows NNPCL to sustainably drive energy production, benefiting all Nigerians by reinvesting resources and creating prosperity.

    Kyari further highlighted the government’s efforts to expand gas infrastructure, establish gas-based industries, and improve the national grid.

    “In three to four years, I believe we will see transformations in the sector that didn’t happen over the past 40 years,” he stated.

    He said over the years, the Federal Government, through the NNPC, accumulated significant unpaid cash call obligations.

    These, he said, were payments it was required to make to IOCs with whom it held JV agreements for oil exploration and production.

    NNPCL’s longstanding inability to meet cash call obligations had prior to now, had a significant impact on Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, causing operational strain and stalling growth, he added.

    He said NNPCL’s consistent default on these payments has burdened Nigeria’s upstream sector for years, undermining investor confidence and slowing down exploration and development projects.

    The history of NNPCL’s cash call defaults can be traced back to the early 2000s when the company began struggling to cover its share of funding in JV operations.

    By 2016, the backlog had become critical, prompting the Nigerian government to establish a $5.1 billion debt repayment plan to cover accumulated cash call arrears. The amount was later negotiated don to $4.68billion in December of that year.

    As of 2023, NNPCL’s debt to JV partners remained substantial, and delays in payment were a recurring source of frustration for IOCs.

    The debt, according to some IOCs, represented a significant financial gap that constrained investments in new projects and essential maintenance activities, intensifying Nigeria’s struggle to boost oil production amid shifting global oil prices and the mounting demands of the energy transition.

  • Activist: ‘envy-mongers’ behind spiteful criticisms against NNPCL chief

    Activist: ‘envy-mongers’ behind spiteful criticisms against NNPCL chief

    A Niger Delta activist and social crusader, Oghenkaro Edor, has condemned the spate of unwarranted attacks on the Executive Vice President (Upstream) of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL),  Mrs Eyesan Oritsemeyiwa.

     He said the attackers are ‘envy-mongers’, who fail to appreciate the achievements and experiences the Itsekiri-born administrator has brought to bear in the management of the Joint Venture partner since her appointment.

    Edor spoke in a statement at a meeting of concerned citizens and stakeholders in the Niger Delta project in Abuja, yesterday.

    He described Mrs Oritsemeyiwa’s performance and credentials as intimidating to her critics, saying stakeholders in the region are happy to have her on the board of the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL.

    Oritsemeyiwa, who represented NNPCL at the world’s largest energy conference, ADIPEC 2024, in Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates, Edor said, demonstrated capacity, proficiency, character, ability and capability to render her service to Nigeria meritoriously, and wondered why ’idle individuals’ find occupation in bullying the administrator.

    During the roundtable at the conference, Edor noted Oritsemeyiwa faced captains of industries like the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Total Energies, Patrick Pouyanné, and Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Group, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, exuding confidence and dexterity bottled in national solidarity and patriotism.

    He said she is committed to making progress in setting  strategic priorities for the future of the energy sector.

    Read Also: EFCC clears Goje’s daughter for alleged naira abuse invites Nigerien bridegroom

    Edor  noted that no amount of subterfuge can subsume the credentials of Oritsemeyiwa, saying NNPCL needs such a technocrat to steer the Petroleum industry.

    The Isoko-born social crusader said Oritsemeyiwa is driven by merit without consideration for ethnicity or creed as against insinuations by “timid, unpatriotic and divisive elements, who make‘futile efforts at painting her appointment in a different colour’.

    Some Niger Delta and Arewa groups had described her appointment as ethnically based, a development Edor noted exists in the minds of those he described as vested interests, who wish to be appointed to her position. 

    Edor said these allegations are hatchet jobs by those with malicious intentions, noting the Petroleum sector follows standard procedures, and that the accusation she grants favours or overrides executive leadership is baseless.

    The activist noted: “Mrs Eyesan is a detribalised team motivator leveraging competence to extract optimal value. Her growth has seen her relate with diverse experts and operators across rungs united in the pursuit of common goals.”

    He called on National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to stop those bent on causing crisis in the Petroleum sector, saying Nigeria needs more Oritsemeyiwa.

  • Beyond profits, Kyari-led NNPCL gives back, uplift Nigerians

    Beyond profits, Kyari-led NNPCL gives back, uplift Nigerians

    By Ademola Bankole

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, as a public company is of critical interest to Nigerians. In recent times, following the removal of the petrol subsidy, the national oil corporation leadership has come under intense criticism, following issues that arose as a fallout of the government decision to save the nation from further hemorrhage by plugging the wastes and fraud of the subsidy regimes.

    While many, out of ignorance, accuse the leadership of the NNPCL for doing little, the well-oiled smear-campaign set in motion by fraudulent petrol cartel, who had fleeced the nation of billions of dollars under the opaque subsidy scheme, were even more voracious. However, despite the orchestrated campaign of calumny against the NNPCL Chief, Kyari remained on top of his game, expanding exciting energy infrastructure, enabling other sustainable energy options, like the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG among others, above all, the company under his leadership is not just fixated on swelling the bottom line, and making the company a continuous thriving going concerns. NNPCL is also giving up to distraught Nigerians, and communities through various humanitarian endeavors, using the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

    In a historic step towards cancer prevention, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the NNPC Foundation, has embarked on an initiative that underscores its commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians. The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign was a free, nationwide initiative that aims to provide cancer screening, health education, and consultations, especially for the underserved. The campaign reflects NNPC Ltd’s commitment to social responsibility, addressing Nigeria’s rising cancer crisis and showing the company’s dedication to a healthier, more equitable future.

    Read Also: WMO concludes re-accreditation visit to NiMet’s RTC Oshodi

    The intervention became extremely important as cancer remains one of the most serious health threats in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common cancers affecting Nigerians include breast and cervical cancer among women, and prostate and liver cancer among men. Despite these alarming statistics, access to early detection resources remains a significant challenge, particularly for the economically marginalized Nigerians, particularly those living in the rural areas. The NNPC Foundation’s Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign takes a vital step in addressing this gap.

    Driven by its commitment to promoting healthcare equity, NNPC Ltd has leveraged its resources and reach to address this health crisis directly. The campaign reflects the vision of a company that sees the health of its people as an integral part of national development. By focusing on early detection, the initiative not only aims to save lives but also to educate the public on the importance of preventive healthcare and early cancer detection.

    The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign, aims to make cancer screenings accessible to approximately 3,000 individuals across Nigeria. The initiative will establish screening centers in six states—Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe—strategically covering each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This expansive reach is emblematic of NNPC Ltd’s dedication to inclusivity and equity, making screenings accessible to people in both urban centers and rural areas.

    Ms. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, emphasized that this initiative is about more than just medical check-ups; it’s about saving lives and creating a healthier Nigeria. “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most,” she said. Her words resonate with NNPC Ltd’s broader mission to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare.

    Over the years, NNPC Ltd has demonstrated a deep commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), addressing critical issues that extend beyond its primary focus in the energy sector. The NNPC Foundation, as the CSR arm, has championed various projects that tackle healthcare, education, community development, and more. The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign reflects NNPC Ltd’s broader CSR philosophy, emphasizing the idea that corporate success should be aligned with societal benefit.

    By addressing healthcare inequities in Nigeria, the NNPC Foundation is setting an example for other corporations. This commitment to healthcare shows the far-reaching potential of CSR, going beyond traditional charitable donations and engaging in sustainable, impactful projects that address urgent societal needs. NNPC Ltd’s initiative is not only a step towards a healthier Nigeria but also a testament to the company’s belief that the private sector has a vital role in national development.

    NNPC Ltd’s Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign is a groundbreaking effort that embodies the company’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians. The campaign serves as a beacon of hope for individuals who may otherwise lack access to essential health services, offering them a chance at early detection and, potentially, a longer life.

    Through this initiative, NNPC Ltd is doing more than addressing Nigeria’s cancer crisis; it is laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future. This campaign is a powerful reminder that corporate responsibility, when driven by genuine commitment to social good, can create transformative change. As NNPC Ltd continues to champion health initiatives and lead by example, the future looks brighter for the people of Nigeria.

    In the same vein, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC JV), operator of the NNPC Limited, SPDC, TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Joint Venture, has announced the donation of $1 million to provide comfort for  over half a million people displaced in flood impacted communities of Borno.

    Disclosing the monumental plan, the Managing Director, SPDC, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, said the donation would go into the procurement and distribution of relief materials and medical supplies for displaced residents who are now in urgent need of critical aid,

    He said, “We consider providing this support to be of necessity to demonstrate our commitment to our society and the duty of care to our people. It expresses our deep concern for the victims of the devastating floods in Borno State,” Okunbor said.

    •Bankole writes from Abuja

  • NNPCL distances self from bottled adulterated fuel

    NNPCL distances self from bottled adulterated fuel

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has distanced itself from a video of adulterated fuel sold in bottles and Jerry cans. 

    Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, who issued a disclaimer, said someone in a video was pouring a liquid of dark liquid which he claims to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purportedly bought from an NNPC Retail outlet at Keffi Flyover. 

    He said the product did not emanate from NNPCL Retail outlet because the company does not dispense its products into bottles and Jerry cans as shown in the video.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has been drawn to the video clip of someone pouring a dark liquid which he claims to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purportedly bought from an NNPC Retail outlet at Keffi Flyover, and wishes to state as follows: 

    Read Also: Reps’ panel gets sub-committees to ascertain NNPCL’s, others’ indebtedness

    “That we have carried out spot checks at all our outlets and found this claim to be false. 

    “The product was not, and could not have been bought from any NNPC Retail outlet as the company does not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans as displayed in the video.

    “That NNPC Retail Ltd does not deal in adulterated products as it adheres to rigorous standards and quality control measures at every stage in its operations to ensure that only high quality, safe, and reliable petroleum products are available at its stations nationwide. 

    “That members of the public should discountenance the spurious claims made in the video and be wary of selfish and unpatriotic elements pushing such narrative as they do not mean well for the country.

    “That we take pride in maintaining accurate pump integrity with regular inspection and calibration to ensure consistency across our stations nationwide.”

  • $25b Nigeria – Morocco gas project at land acquisition, resettlement

    $25b Nigeria – Morocco gas project at land acquisition, resettlement

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had stated that the $25 million  African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) or the Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline project is at the stage of land acquisition and resettlement.

    Its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Malam Mele Kyari, broke the news at the 
    Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS) Inter-Ministerial Meeting of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project in Abuja.

     He also said reasonable progress has been made in the project, which its 
    frontier engineering design phase two has  now been completed.

    NNPCL Executive Vice Chairman, Gas and Power, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, who represented him, said decisions at the meeting will shape the future of the project and ensure positive impact on the nations economies and people’s lives.

    His words: “Today’s deliberations are critical. The decisions made here will shape the future of the African Atlantic Gas Project, ensuring a positive impact on the economies of our nations and the lives of our people.
    ” Noteworthy progress has been made with frontier engineering design phase two now completed, and work ongoing for surveys, environmental and social impacts assessments, and the land acquisition and resettlement policy framework is being progressed.”

    He described the 6,800km network project, which passes through 13 countries and was formerly the West African Gas Pipeline Project as perhaps the largest in the continent.

    The project, which is estimated to cost $25 billion was initiated by Morocco and Nigeria in 2016 to link Nigeria’s gas resources to Europe through Morocco.

    Kyari insisted that NNPCL having executed the West African Gas Pipeline Project is well positioned to implement the project with its expertise in gas production, processing, and marketing.

    “NNPCL is well positioned to progress this project by leveraging on its expertise across gas production, processing and marketing, and experience having executed similar projects like the West Africa Gas Pipeline,” he said.

    He urged the stakeholders to jointly work to accomplish the shared vision that transcend has supply to enhancing economies standard of living to regional integration.

    Declaring the meeting open, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said the parley was convened with a focus on the strategic institutional documents, each pivotal to regional cooperation and the advancement of the hydrocarbon sector. 

    These include: the Draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and Host Government Agreement (HGA) for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP).

    He said the AAGP is not just a pipeline project; it is a major step forward in the vision of an integrated hydrocarbon and energy infrastructure within Africa.
    According to him, the merger of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Extension Project (WAGPEP) and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project (NMGP) into the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project (AAGP), following the decision at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government of 9th July 2023, reflects the region’s strategic vision for a more connected and economically vibrant pipeline network.
    Ekpo said the Intergovernmental Agreement will serve as the framework guiding relations between the states involved, ensuring cohesive collaboration and equitable terms, while the Host Government Agreement forms the foundation of a mutually beneficial partnership that promises stability and predictability in our investment climate. 
    These draft institutional agreements, he said, “should be an affirmation of our commitment to enhancing hydrocarbon and energy trade within ECOWAS and other African countries, facilitating access to natural gas across the region, and expanding our footprint in global gas markets.”
    Speaking, the Moroccan Minister of Energy Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, Laila Benali described the Nigeria – Morocco Gas Pipeline Project as a “political project.”
    She explained that both President Bola Tinubu and the King Assis Mohammed of Morocco, supported the idea.
    She added that the global block of production capacity is Africa.
    The Moroccan Minister further said, “So the world’s greatest block of production capacity for the world is Africa. 
    “So that is why this pipeline is very much a political pipeline, and that is also the reason why we at the Kingdom of Morocco really want to thank our partners, our friends in ECOWAS for sticking and the persistence and resistance in making sure that the work continues on this political vision and political project. For Africa and also for the rest of the world.”

  • APC youths, CSO hit NNPCL over Kaduna, Port-Harcourt refineries

    APC youths, CSO hit NNPCL over Kaduna, Port-Harcourt refineries

    The Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria and collaboration APC Youth Vanguard for Change, have criticised failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to restore the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries despite massive investments. 

    The groups, at a briefing on Friday, also berated the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL for alleged importation of adulterated fuel.

    The refineries’ rehabilitation has been plagued by delays and unfulfilled promises with $1.5 billion approved in 2021 for the Port Harcourt Refinery and an additional $1.4 billion for the Warri and Kaduna refineries. 

    Kyari has repeatedly assured Nigerians of the refineries’ imminent restoration without any result.

    However, the advocates criticised NNPCL’s leadership, questioning the sincerity of its statements and citing concerns over the integrity of rehabilitation contracts. 

    Dr. Opialu Fabian alleged that certain entities within NNPCL might be intentionally obstructing progress to sustain the lucrative fuel importation business.

    He highlighted the devastating impact of the refineries’ failure on Nigerians, who face endless fuel queues, exorbitant prices, and inflated costs of goods and services. 

    Fabian demanded accountability from NNPCL, emphasizing the need for transparency in contract awarding and execution.

    The statement partly reads: “We have chosen this moment to speak on behalf of Nigerians to highlight the ongoing, persistent challenges around the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. 

    “These failures, unfortunately, continue to place Africa’s largest oil producer in the ironic position of depending entirely on imported petroleum products for domestic consumption. This dependency has drained our nation’s foreign reserves, inflated fuel prices, and left Nigerians queuing endlessly at filling stations.

    “The excuses provided by NNPCL are, unfortunately, repetitive. We have heard, time and again, explanations citing ‘obsolescence’ ‘corrosion’ and the ‘absence of baseline data for structural integrity verification’.

    “It’s still fresh in our memory that Mr. Mele Kyari, the NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, announced on March 15 this year that the Port Harcourt refinery would begin production by the end of the month. Sadly, this was yet another unfulfilled promise, as we have not seen any production from the refinery. It begs the question: Are these statements made with sincerity, or are they merely attempts to pacify Nigerians with false hope?

    Read Also: Lawyer queries N11tr spent on refineries

    “Today, the energy sector is a critical cornerstone of Nigeria’s prosperity. Our country, rich in crude oil, should be reaping the benefits of this resource through local refining, lower fuel prices, and foreign exchange conservation. Instead, the leadership at NNPCL continues to drain our economy by prioritizing importation, an act that not only places strain on our foreign reserves but also destabilizes our currency. 

    “We urge the government to reconsider the composition of NNPCL’s leadership. After more than three years of unfulfilled promises and costly mismanagement, it is evident that the current leadership lacks the vision and competence needed to drive Nigeria’s energy sector forward.

    “Evidently, the path forward requires a new approach to how contracts are awarded, how funds are managed, and how performance is measured within NNPCL and the refineries.

    “Therefore, we must demand that NNPCL provides Nigerians with a detailed account of the current state of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. This report should include an outline of how funds have been utilized, reasons for the missed deadlines, and a clear, realistic timeline for when Nigerians can expect results.

    “In conclusion, this is a critical moment for Nigeria, one that calls for action and resolve. We are no longer willing to stand by and watch as the nation’s potential is squandered by unaccountable leaders and inefficient practice”.