Energy
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.”
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.
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