Energy
Local cONTENT: NCDMB lauds Nivafer eNGINEERING on successful fabrication for SPDC project
Precious ADELOLA
LAGOS-THE Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr. Simbi Wabote on Wednesday lauded Nivafer Engineering and Construction limited for the Local Content accomplishments it recorded in fabricating a High-Pressure Fuel Gas Skid for Shell Petroleum Development Company‘s (SPDC) Assa North gas project in-country.
He gave the commendation while delivering his opening remarks at the unveiling and loadout of the high-pressure fuel gas treatment skid for Assa north gas project in Lagos, noting that the Board is always pleased to celebrate achievements that have added value in-country and created job opportunities for Nigerians no matter the size or scale of such projects.
Wabote highlighted the diverse capabilities developed by Nivafer which include Fabrication & Coating of Separation Packages, Manifold Skids, Process and Modules, and Heat Exchangers. Other capacities included Metering Skids, Flare Systems Pig Launchers & Receivers, Condensate Stabilization Trains and Cladded Pressure Vessels. The company also has capacities for Storage Vessels; Offshore Anchor Piles, Floating Roof Tanks, LPG Spherical Tanks, Structural Steel, Pipe Support and many others.
He noted that the goal of NCDMB is to achieve 70 percent Nigerian Content in oil and gas activities by the year 2027 from the current level of 42 percent, adding that we need all hands on deck to ensure that the gains achieved so far are not reversed while we aim at the 70 percent goal”, he said.
Wabote hinted that in line with the commitment of SPDC in the signed Nigerian Content Compliance Certificate, hook-up engineering and tie-in services, inspections and integrity works, pre-commissioning and commissioning activities shall be executed with over 95 percent Nigerian personnel with locally owned equipment and assets.
Speaking further, the Executive Secretary assured that NCDMB has set out local content targets to sustain the job creation drive of the Federal Government, adding that the Board shall continue to remain a foremost partner in the development and industrialization of Nigeria and urged all operators and service providers in the industry to play active roles and avoid situations that contravenes the provisions of the NOGICD Act.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Nivafer Engineering and Construction limited, Engr. Chris Ijeli eulogized NCDMB for the successes it had achieved through the implementation of the NOGICD Act of 2010.
He mentioned that the NOGICD Content Act has catalyzed increased capacities and capabilities, expertise, and growth in indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector. “What we have here is a major milestone in Nigerian Content Development and we have made significant progress in engineering and construction in the oil and gas industry”, Ijeli said.
Also speaking, the Project Engineer, SPDC, Engr. Afolabi Ojo hailed Nivafer for delivering on the scope in ample time and with good quality as well as setting a unique HSE standard during the fabrication stage. He added that SPDC will continue to support Nigerian indigenous businesses to strive in-country as already established by the Local Content Act.
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.