Energy
Nigeria at 63 – Chevron Nigeria’s Partnership with Nigeria for socio-economic development
As Nigeria celebrates her 63rd independence anniversary, Chevron companies in Nigeria are proud of our partnership and contribution to the social and economic development of the country. In its six decades of operation in Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria has continued to make significant investments in the country that have helped generate socio-economic development in several communities across Nigeria.
The Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa Business unit, Rick Kennedy explains the business perspective of Chevron Nigeria thus: “At Chevron Nigeria, we strive to build lasting relationships to help enable human progress now and into the future. Chevron has a long commitment to Nigeria. We have been making significant investments in Nigeria for over 60 years, contributing to the growth and development of the country.”
According to Rick, “Chevron Nigeria has been successful in leading and investing in some major initiatives in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. These include the development of the Deep Water Agbami project which has produced over 1 billion barrels of oil, the development of the Escravos Gas Processing (EGP) facility to enable the reduction of flares and be the largest supplier of on-spec domestic gas in Nigeria, and the development of the Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) facility to reduce gas flaring and produce high quality diesel. Also, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Chevron Nigeria led the development of the ~700km West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project through which Nigeria supplies gas to Benin, Togo, and Ghana, helping to boost economic development in the region.”
Chevron Nigeria has had a long history of commitment to Nigerian Content development. Chevron companies in Nigeria had developed and imbibed the Local/Nigerian Content development philosophy well before the enactment of the Nigeran Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (“NOGICD Act”) in April 2010. Chevron has helped in building the capacities of several Nigerian businesses by providing training, contracts, and procurement opportunities to Nigerians on all projects in our operations. For the last 10 years, one of the Chevron Nigeria companies, Chevron Nigeria Limited (“CNL”)has spent an estimated annual average of $1 billion on Nigerian suppliers and service providers. CNL’s Chairman/Managing emphasizes that “Chevron does all this, not because it is compelled to, but because it is the right thing to do.”
Esimaje Brikinn, Chevron Nigeria’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, highlighted Chevron Nigeria’s focus on helping to engender the development of communities in the Niger Delta through the erstwhile Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-driven, participatory partnership model for community engagement pioneered by Chevron Nigeria in 2005.
“Through the GMoU, we provided funds to execute hundreds of projects in the communities where we operate in the Niger Delta region. This has led to social investment projects benefitting over 600 communities in the Niger Delta area. We will be leveraging our experience with the GMoU in the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)”, he stated. “In 2010, Chevron established the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), a non-profit organization working with partners to complement the GMoU, build peace and address the macro socio-economic issues in the Niger Delta region. Chevron has invested over $100 million in PIND and leveraged a corresponding amount from investors and partners. PIND’s programmes have continued to create socio-economic impact in the Niger Delta region through the twin pillars of economic development and peace building, leading to increased productivity and incomes, jobs, and reduced conflict,” Esimaje said.
Chevron Nigeria’s social investment footprint extends beyond its areas of operation. Among other health initiatives, Chevron Nigeria built and donated a DNA Molecular laboratory to the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, and the facility is very significant to medical research in Nigeria. In the heat of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, Chevron Nigeria donated a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory to Warri Central Hospital to support the Delta State government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other industry-collaborations. Chevron Nigeria has also implemented health initiatives such as the Roll Back Malaria programmes, Prevention of Mother to-Child transmission of HIV/AIDS and awareness programmes on River blindness, etc.
In its Deep offshore operations, Chevron Nigeria has continued to implement projects and programmes in the areas of health, education, and economic development across Nigeria. For instance, Star Deepwater Petroleum Company Limited (a Chevron company) and its parties in the Agbami field – Famfa Oil Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited, and Prime 127 Nigeria Limited – have been investing in fighting Tuberculosis (TB) with the construction and equipment of chest clinics in Nigeria to support the treatment and care of tuberculosis patients in Nigeria. Currently 28 such chest clinics fully equipped with standard X-Ray machines, male and female wards, treatment rooms, laboratories and Gene Xpert Machines have been completed across the country to support Nigerian health system. The Agbami parties have also donated nine (9) mother-and-child health care centers and one medical diagnostics laboratory in some States in Nigeria. Some of the donated chest clinics and mother and childcare centers became useful for COVID-19 response in some states during the heat of the pandemic.
Chevron Nigeria continues to support development of education in the Niger Delta region and across the country through development of education infrastructure, capacity building and scholarships. The scholarships include: the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture’s national university scholarship and the community scholarship program which caters for students in both secondary and tertiary institutions from communities in Chevron Nigeria’s areas of operations. Additionally, Chevron Nigeria awards scholarships to visually impaired students to enhance their access to quality education. Over 23,000 people have benefitted from the company’s scholarship programs which include scholarship for community postgraduates’ scholars in Nigeria and foreign universities.
Since inception of the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professional Scholarship programme in 2009, over 16,500 students from all the states of Nigeria have benefitted from the scholarship, out of which 715 students have graduated with first class degrees. Chevron Nigeria and its Deepwater parties have continued to invest in education infrastructure. The parties have executed 39 Science laboratory complexes and 25 conventional and hybrid libraries across the country. Also, Chevron and its partners take a wide-ranging activity to encourage students to develop interest in key subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and, ultimately pursue STEM courses and career.
Chevron Corporation has also sponsored certain global health and environmental-related initiatives that have an impact in Nigeria. These efforts include the contribution to Global Fund against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB which has benefitted Nigeria in the areas of providing access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV, provision of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets and detection of tuberculosis cases. Also, as part of its efforts in environmental conservation, Chevron Nigeria with the support of Chevron Corporation, built and donated the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) to the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in 1992. The 78-hectare facility has become a center of excellence in environmental research and education, reserved as a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula, Lagos. CNL also sponsors the Junior Tennis tournament, the National Arts competition, and other activities by various organizations.
Chevron Nigeria is optimistic about the future of the oil and gas business in Nigeria. As the Chairman/Managing Director emphasized: “Chevron takes a long-term view of Nigeria. The company has been making significant investments in the country for 60 years and it believes that with the right policies, laws and regulations, the enormous potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector can yield even greater benefits for all.”
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.