Energy
NCDMB, STOILIC SHIPPING PARTNER TO SEND 10 CADETS ON SEA-TIME, COC TRAINING
…As Wabote Applauds Stoilic Shipping for Showing Commitment to Developing Indigenous Capacity
…Nigeria Can Generate Huge Revenue By Producing Seafarers- McFoy
The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote has commended the Management of Stoilic Shipping Limited for its commitment to growing indigenous Capacity for the Nigerian maritime sector adding that the partnership between both bodies would only usher in further progress for the Nigerian maritime industry.
Engr. Wabote who was speaking as NCDMB and Stoilic flagged off a full-scholarship sea-time training for 10 cadets in Lagos today, reassured on the Board’s commitment to growing capacity for the Maritime Industry adding that the agency takes the training very seriously even as he noted that maritime trainings are cost intensive and would only take the commitment of parties involved.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Board’s Manager, Human and Capital Development, Mr. Timbiri Augustine, said that the conduct of the trainees has an implication on the country advising them not to be distracted at any point as they may face mild challenges such as turbulent weather, different environments, language barrier amongst others in their period of learning.
In his words, “We are building capacity and capability, but we are not limiting the utilization of this capacity to the Nigerian maritime and oil gas industry. The training is the type that will take you to other countries and different ports and therefore commitment is very critical, because the standard in view is a global factor, not Nigerian factor.”
Speaking further, he commended Stoilic Shipping for their commitment to the programme and re-emphasized the Board’s drive to the sustenance of the partnership.
On her part, the Executive Director of Stoilic Shipping, Mrs. Irene McFoy, charged the cadets to “change the dynamics of shipping companies not wanting Nigerian seafarers by stepping up the standards.
She assured the cadets that the company and its technical partners would take them through many training modules and placed them on ocean-going vessels, where they must start preparing for their CoC.
Mcfoy also urged the trainees to interact, be humble and learn from their teachers, comply with the rules, safety guidelines and all given ethical values of the maritime profession and their particular field.
According to her, the company, as a major private sector leader, “wants Nigeria to be one of the foremost countries supplying seafarers to the international maritime industry just like the Philippines.”
Noting that at least 28 per cent of the Philippines’ revenue comes from seafaring, McFoy, who was in charge of the cadet training at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) before retiring, insisted that “there is nothing stopping Nigeria from being the best, or even better than the Philippines.”
She commended NCDMB for the partnership and re-emphasized that Nigeria is a littoral state, that has the manpower and the intelligence. She said that all the country needed is to get these students properly harnessed and Nigeria will do very well in the maritime sector.
Also, the Managing Director of Stoilic Shipping, Mr. Lotanna, urged the cadets to write their names in gold and always remember where they are coming from, he charged them not to be discouraged and tired and to always remember that there are many fellow graduates out there who yearn for this opportunity.
Sitting from left, Supervisor, Human Capital Development, (NCDMB), Sallahudeen Muhammad, General Manager, Operations, Stoilic Shipping Limited, Mrs Irene Mcfoy, Manager, Human Capital Development, (NCDMB), Timbiri Augustine, General Manager, Administration, Stoilic Shipping Limited Chinamanda Mcfoy, Managing Director, Stoilic Shipping Limited, Lotanna and Beneficiaries during the opening ceremony of the seatime training certificate of competency (COC) by stoilic shipping limited awarded by NCDMB for seafarers, in Lagos, on Tuesday.
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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