Energy
Earnest Nwapa bows out as Kentebe takes over NCDMB
By Yemie ADEOYE
Houston TX-FOLLOWING the sack of the Pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Engr. Earnest Nwapa by Nigeria’s outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan a few weeks to his hand-over, The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Board Arch. Denzil Amagbe Kentebe formally took over the mantle of office with a promise to deepen the implementation process and break new grounds in the attainment of Nigerian Content goals.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Arch Kentebe assured stakeholders of the industry that the tempo of Nigerian Content implementation would be sustained and improved upon to derive more benefits for Nigerians from the operations of the oil and gas industry.
The Executive Secretary who thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the appointment, which affords him the opportunity to serve Nigeria, affirmed that he was passionate about his new assignment and charged staff of the Board adopt the highest levels of passion, responsibility to Nigerians and zero tolerance for corruption in the discharge their duties. He stressed that passion was the key ingredient needed to implement the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
He said, “I have a lot of passion for what I am about to begin and for us to move forward as a country we need to believe in ourselves and we need to develop the capacity to do things that we would export to the world.”
He commended the pioneer Executive Secretary and staff of the Board for the achievements they recorded in implementing the Nigerian Content Act in the first five years of the Board and promised that his leadership would work to improve on the accomplishments. According to him, “I have followed NCDMB for a while and what we are doing today is not to fix something but to build on what was started off on a wonderful manner. We are going to build on that foundation and I appeal for everyone’s cooperation.”
Earlier in his valedictory speech, Dr. Ernest Nwapa thanked President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke for opportunity that gave him to lead NCDMB and the unflinching support they provided for the implementation process.
He charged stakeholders of the industry to support the new leadership of the Board, assuring that Nigerians Content implementation had become institutionalized as a philosophy of industry operations, adding that provisions of the Nigerian Content Act and guidelines issued by the Board would continue to protect and give advantage to investments made in-country in support of the industry.
“The provisions of the Nigerians Content Act are very clear to the industry. Anybody doing a project or any operations in the oil and gas industry today asks questions about Nigerian Content and that is something we all should be proud of. All we need to do is to continue building on the achievements.
Nwapa who gave a brief summary of the Board’s operations and major initiatives assured that staff of the Board were highly skilled and professional, charging them to cooperate with his successor to realize the mandate of the Board. He explained that the change in leadership of the Board provided an opportunity to reinvigorate and explore new strategies for strengthening the implementation process. “It is the duty of the staff to support the new leader and the management team that he would set up. Change provides additional opportunity” he added.
The event ended with the symbolic signing and exchange of handover notes between the pioneer Executive Secretary and his successor.
Energy
Minister of Power, Adelabu Champions Mini-Grids Amid Northern Power Crisis
In the wake of a prolonged power crisis impacting Northern Nigeria, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu visited the Zawaciki 1MWp mini-grid project in Kano, underscoring the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions to alleviate regional power shortages.
The project, operated by Bagaja Renewables, provides daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, offering a vital source of power as the region faces widespread blackouts.
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Sadiq Zakari, Managing Director of Bagaja Renewables, welcomed the Minister to the facility and highlighted the critical timing of the visit.
“Bagaja Renewables had the distinct honor of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Power to the Zawaciki 1MWp interconnected mini-grid,” Zakari said.
“This visit comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged blackout, underscoring the urgent need for alternative power solutions.
The Zawaciki mini-grid has been instrumental during this crisis, providing at least 9 hours of daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in addressing the region’s energy needs.”
Minister Adelabu praised the Zawaciki project as a model for interconnected mini-grids nationwide, noting its role as a sustainable solution for communities grappling with unreliable power supply.
“The Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the Zawaciki project, recognizing it as a viable proof of concept for interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria,” Zakari stated.
“He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and called on state governors and other key stakeholders to support efforts to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure.
By backing projects like Zawaciki, stakeholders can play an instrumental role in reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more stable power supply for local communities.”
Zakari underscored the transformative potential of private-sector renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s power landscape.
He said, “As we have witnessed here at Zawaciki, private-sector-driven renewable energy solutions can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. With the right policies and support, we can empower communities and enhance energy resilience, even in times of national power instability.”
In addition to the Zawaciki project, Bagaja Renewables is developing several renewable energy initiatives across Northern Nigeria. Among these are:
Barhim Estate, Katsina: A residential power initiative aimed at expanding energy access for households in the region.
Kura-Karfi Commercial Cluster, Kano: Focused on delivering clean and reliable power to commercial areas, this project aims to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Kafin Hausa, Jigawa: With site fencing completed, Bagaja Renewables is preparing to begin technical design and engineering work for a mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, slated to start construction soon.
Zakari said, “These projects represent Bagaja Renewables’ unwavering commitment to building a resilient, decentralized, and renewable-powered energy future across Northern Nigeria.
“Bagaja Renewables is dedicated to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to scale up renewable energy solutions that will support communities, industries, and essential services.
“We believe that decentralized power generation is the future for Nigeria, and we are eager to contribute to a sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy system for all.” he added
Energy
Power Restored In Four Northern States After 10-Day Blackout
Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.
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The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.
The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.
In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.
“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.
“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”
Energy
Nigerian Power Supply: FGN Nears PPI Completion
The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.
The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.
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Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.
The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).
In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.
Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.
Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.
This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.