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NCDMB Hosts R&D Roundtable, Gets Huge Backing from Industry Operators

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NCDMB Hosts R&D Roundtable, Gets Huge Backing from Industry Operators

Research and development efforts in the Nigerian oil and gas industry have been given a huge boost as key operators under the aegis of Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS) have offered to provide an array of support that would facilitate demand-driven and sustainable R&D solutions for the industry.

NCDMB Hosts R&D Roundtable, Gets Huge Backing from Industry Operators

Chairman of PCTS, Mr. Tayo Akinkunmi spoke at the 2nd Nigerian oil and gas industry research and development roundtable convened last week in Abuja by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

He announced that the group, renowned as the custodians of technology in the oil and gas industry, would be willing to create a window for researchers and innovators to meet with subject matter experts, who would help them to better understand the oil and gas sector as well as define research problems and priorities, to guide their R&D efforts.

Read also>>>NCDMB Partnering Shell, Exxon, NAOC In Oil & Gas Parks – Wabote

He added that PCTS would also provide researchers with the acceptance criteria definition for R&D efforts, testing plans and validation methodologies, and access to testing and qualification facilities. Member companies of the PCTS include Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Bristow, Julius Berger, NigerStar7, TechnipFMC and Tenaris.

The group’s chairman added that the companies would also be willing to provide advisory on go-to-market strategies and targeted funding.

Akinkunmi further harped on the importance of sustainable R&D, emphasizing that R&D needs to be viable to drive itself. He also stated that R&D leads to global dominance, provides a response to unpredictable and turbulent times, aside from the immediate economic reward.

The two-day event drew attendance from operating oil companies, international and indigenous service firms, senior academics, and researchers, including the five research centres of excellence (CoE) being established in universities by the NCDMB.

Some other key suggestions from participants included the imperative for synergy among agencies of government that promote research and development in the country.

The experts frowned against the duplication of efforts by agencies, including the establishment of research centres of excellence in several universities, without any alignment.

Discussions also centered around the need for collaboration among researchers, considering the interdisciplinary nature of R&D and the need for research proposals and reports seeking financial support to highlight their economic value, without being filled with technical details of the project.

Providing the background for the R&D roundtable, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), NCDMB, Mr. Patrick Daziba Obah explained that the event was organized to assess the level of the Board’s R&D activities, analyze current energy trends, and identify what could be done to improve the landscape.

He gave an insight into the discussions at the programme, noting that: “we looked at funding, how well we are doing, the challenges and steps we need to take to mitigate them. We also looked at infrastructural development, how that plays out in the R&D landscape.”

A key outcome of the roundtable, according to the Director was the need for researchers to develop competencies in writing viable R&D proposals.

He said: “the researcher should be able to sell his or her idea in such a manner that any evaluator would understand the basics of the research proposal.”

He affirmed the Board’s willingness to partner other organisations to promote research and development, adding that the Board is currently collaborating with several ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and even private sector groups, emphasising that those partnerships were contributory to the impressive strides recorded in Nigerian content development.

In his presentation, the General Manager, Research, Statistics and Development, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu gave details of the Board’s sponsored centres of excellence (CoE).

He stated that the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) is researching on Technology Development Studies, while Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) is working on Geological & Geophysical Studies.

Other COEs are Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, with interests in Engineering Services Studies, Federal University of Technology Owerri, with a focus on Local Raw Material Substitution Studies and lastly Modibbo Adama University of Technology, with focus on Safety & Environment Studies.

 

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Asharami Synergy Unveils Fuelling Solutions In Omagwa

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In line with its commitment to driving access to quality petroleum products, Asharami Synergy Limited, a leading Sahara Group downstream company, has said the public can now access exceptional fuelling solutions at its newly commissioned retail station in Omagwa, Rivers State.

Situated strategically along the Airport Road in Omagwa, the station, which features a storage capacity of 45,000 litres each for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO, also known as diesel) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, also known as petrol) is equipped with two pumps and four discharge nozzles for PMS and AGO.

The facility also has ample space for sundry services in a bid to ensure consumers get more “miles and smiles” as well as the energy to “go further” with Asharami’s world-class products.

“The Asharami Omagwa Retail Station is fully operational, offering a range of premium products and services. It’s a one-stop shop that also gives our esteemed customers eat-in and take-out restaurant services, shopping, as well as the Asha lubricants and Asha Service experience which will ensure premium care for all classes of automobiles and engines,” said Oladimeji Williams, Head, Government Relations and Business Development at Asharami Synergy.

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At the Commissioning, Willaims said the new station represents an important step in Asharami Synergy’s expansion plan aimed at reaching and serving more communities responsibly. “This station is strategically positioned close to the airport, serving as the gateway for powering socio-economic development in the community and those close to it, while enabling Asharami Synergy integrate all aspects of its downstream business towards ensuring efficiency and value for our customers,” he stated.

Williams commended the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Omagwa community leaders for their support and collaboration throughout the project’s duration, describing it as a “seamless and productive process that highlights Asharami’s corporate stewardship and social impact” in the community.

Similarly, Ifesinachi Ezike, Regional General Manager (South South), FAAN, emphasized the broader significance of the new station, stating, “This occasion marks a significant milestone not just for Asharami Synergy but for the airport and the entire community. It marks not just an opening of a new facility but the beginning of a renewed commitment to enhancing the travel experience of all our passengers and stakeholders”.

In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and community development, Asharami Synergy also commissioned a solar-powered borehole during the launch. The borehole is set to improve access to clean and reliable water for residents, marking a tangible contribution to the local community.

“At Sahara, we are always making a difference—not just through our business operations; we are unwavering in our commitment to driving sustainable development and building partnerships that enhance the well-being of our host communities,” Williams added.

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Energy

Awards Galore For Shell, Staff At NAPE 2024 Conference

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The Shell companies in Nigeria and staff won awards in recognition of their robust participation at the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held in Lagos.

At the closing dinner of the event, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Ronald Adams pledged sustained efforts by the company to address “the Nigerian energy trilemma by powering progress towards energy security in a sustainable manner”.

On the awards, the Shell was declared Best Overall Exhibitor and Best Exhibiting Energy company (International) just as Geophysicist Somime Oguntola took home the Award of Excellence for Oral Paper (second place).

The icing on the cake was a Shell staff, Johnbosco Uche, being installed as the new President of the NAPE.

It was gathered that the Shell companies in Nigeria have supported NAPE since its founding in 1975, using the skills and expertise of the large pool of energy professionals in its employment to improve its activities especially educational and mentoring programmes.

In addition to being a major sponsor of the 2024 conference, Shell mounted a high-profile exhibition, featuring among other things, career counselling, engagements on Nigerian Content and Contractor development and panel sessions on Women in Industry and Sustainability Energy Challenge.

A highlight was the Shell medical stand which attended to more than more than 500 conference participants and members of the public over the four days of the annual event. The doctors and nurses offered a wide range of services including laboratory tests, deworming, medical consultation as well as ophthalmology checks and distribution of nearly 300 eyeglasses.

Adams referred to the operations of SNEPCo as an example of Shell’s contribution to energy security in Nigeria. “As a result of sustained production from Bonga, we have provided funds to finance development, created a new generation of Nigerian Deepwater professionals, empowered indigenous contractors and service providers, and implemented social investments that have touched lives in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.

Adams added, “SNEPCo and indeed Shell are in Nigeria for the long haul. Our commitment is reflected in both our current and growth plans, all of which are grounded in principles of safety, affordability, and competitive performance.”

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Accugas Denies Culpability In Akwa Ibom’s Power Outage

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Owing to the persistent power outage, which has crippled economic and social life in most parts of Akwa Ibom State and environs, Accugas Limited has washed its hands off the ugly situation.

This was contained in a statement under the signature of its Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, in which the company traced the anomaly to a “fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line”.

To ameliorate the situation, the company maintained that “It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.”

In addition, the company pledged thus, “Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”

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The statement reads, “Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, wishes to strongly deny the misinformation concerning its alleged involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State.

“The power cut in Akwa Ibom State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid into the State. It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.

“Ibom Power Company (“IPC”) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (“Discos”). Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable c. 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.

“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state. Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested c. US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state. All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

“Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”

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