Energy
Trump Presidency An Opportunity For African Leaders, Says Yemi Adeoye
Energy policy expert, Yemi Adeoye has suggested that a second term for former U.S. President Donald Trump could present significant opportunities for African leaders, particularly in the realm of energy development.
Speaking on TVC News on Monday, Adeoye emphasized that Trump’s focus on reducing global regulations and prioritizing the U.S. economy could allow African nations to better leverage their natural resources without the constraints of climate policies that have historically been imposed by Western powers.
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“Looking at Africa as an economic bloc, I think it will be good, especially when you look at our energy concerns,” Adeoye said.
“I think his administration would be okay because Mr. Trump is very focused on reducing the United States’ global regulations. His focus is more on the internal economy of the United States, and that is his major focus.”
Adeoye pointed out that Trump’s economic strategy has typically been centered around protecting and boosting the U.S. economy, particularly in comparison to economic competitors like China and Western Europe.
“If you look at his comments about the U.S. economy, it has always been ‘America first’—how he is going to grow the economy internally,” he explained.
“He is not really bothered about blocs that are not economic competitors or contemporaries of the United States. Africa is not competing with the U.S. Africa is not an economic contemporary of the U.S., so he is not bothered about Africa.”
On the issue of climate change and energy policies, Adeoye noted that Trump’s historical stance of downplaying climate concerns could be advantageous for African nations looking to develop their energy sectors.
Adeoye said, “He’s not going to impose the climate change policies on Africans. Trump, during his last administration, did not really bother about Africa. He is not concerned about climate change; he even said it was a hoax that it was not real, and he is in full support of fracking.”
Adeoye explained that Trump’s support for shale fracking, a controversial method that has boosted U.S. oil production, could have a ripple effect on global energy markets.
“Shale fracking, which we know has environmental issues, is fully supported by Trump because it is going to grow the United States’ oil production significantly,” he said. “In fact, global oil production should grow by about 10% if shale fracking reaches its full potential.”
He also pointed out that Africa contributes only about 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, much lower than major emitters like China and the U.S. “Africa’s emissions footprint is very low, and that means our mineral resources are being underutilized,” Adeoye said.
“What we probably do majorly is export them across the world. We can now use these resources to develop because our greenhouse gas emissions are so low.”
In this context, Adeoye stressed the importance of Africa being allowed to fully develop its natural resources without restrictions.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to advocate for the right to utilize its mineral deposits, a message reinforced by President Bola Tinubu at international platforms like the United Nations. “Nigeria has been campaigning in all the major global energy conferences that Africa should be allowed to develop the continent with its mineral deposits,” he said.
In addition, Adeoye urged African leaders to seize the opportunity presented by a Trump presidency, emphasizing that his policies could help unlock the continent’s energy potential.
“I think Trump is an opportunity for African leaders to be very strategic,” he said. “He is not going to impose regulations on them. For all we have seen, we can take it that he would not want to impose regulations with regard to gas emissions or climate change.”
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.”