Energy
Dangote Refinery Launches Euro-V Petrol
. . . Assures On Steady Supply, End Of Polypropylene Importation By Oct
The good news about the rollout of premium motor spirit (PMS) also known as petrol by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is that Nigerians will enjoy steady supply and gain a clear understanding of the country’s actual fuel consumption.
The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, offered the assurances at the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, while confirming the rollout of petrol, from the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
On the achievement of starting PMS production 28 years after Nigeria’s four refineries ceased domestic refining, Dangote, emphasised that this development would boost the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
He highlighted that the refinery would significantly reduce fuel imports, saving foreign exchange, and contributing to stabilising the naira, lowering inflation, and reducing the cost of living.
Dangote, accompanied by Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, and Group Commercial Operations Director at DIL, Hajiya Fatima Aliko-Dangote, described this milestone as a transformative moment for Nigeria, ending years of fuel imports.
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an environment that made the successful launch of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery possible.
He stated, “Today is a momentous occasion because Nigeria has not produced petrol, or gasoline, for many years. As I stand here, I want to extend my gratitude to the people of Nigeria and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for creating the environment that has enabled us to achieve this monumental task. This development will provide energy for our nation’s growth, development, and prosperity.”
He continued, “I want to personally thank Mr. President for introducing the concept of ‘Naira for Crude’ and ‘Naira for Products.’ This initiative will bring much-needed stability to the Naira by reducing the demand for dollars in the market by 40%, which will help stabilise the exchange rate.
“But that’s not all. It will also address issues like ‘round-tripping,’ where fuel is documented but doesn’t actually enter Nigeria. With this new refinery, we will have a clear view of true consumption. We’ll be able to track every loaded truck and, as much as possible, monitor loaded ships. This will allow us to precisely determine consumption patterns, though that’s a topic for another discussion.
“Today, we are here to celebrate and give thanks to God Almighty for bringing us to this point where we can produce gasoline. Many doubted we would achieve this, but we have delivered.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the President and his government. Without their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I believe this refinery will transform not only Nigeria but also the entire Sub-Saharan Africa. Our capacity will not only meet Nigeria’s needs but also serve the demands of the broader region.”
Dangote remarked, “This petrol might be a bit cleaner compared to what we had before. It’s of the highest quality, ensuring that your vehicle’s engine will last longer. The quality of this fuel can match any premium standard worldwide, including those in Europe and America. No one can surpass us in terms of quality. Today is truly a celebration for us Nigerians.
“We are committed to ensuring that starting in October, there will be no need to import polypropylene. Our petrochemical plant will be fully capable of meeting all local demands.”
While assuring that the refinery will guarantee the availability of petrol in Nigeria, Dangote clarified that the nation’s oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, is responsible for controlling petrol pump prices.
He described this development as a significant turnaround for the country, ending years of not producing a single litre of petrol domestically.
Dangote emphasised that while he can ensure a steady supply of fuel from the refinery, the NNPC Ltd will manage pricing.
“Pricing is controlled by NNPC. For now, we focus on ensuring that the products are available — that’s what I can guarantee,” Dangote said.
Energy
Asharami Synergy Unveils Fuelling Solutions In Omagwa
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.
Energy
Awards Galore For Shell, Staff At NAPE 2024 Conference
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.”
Energy
Accugas Denies Culpability In Akwa Ibom’s Power Outage
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.”