Energy
Nigeria to achieve Carbon- Neutrality by 2025
By Joseph BAMIDELE
LONDON: Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has appealed to the Global Community and the developed World to invest in the development of the burgeoning African energy economy so as to ensure a win-win scenario for the continent and the rest of the globe.
Speaking at a Special lecture titled: The Future of African Energy in a Changing World, delivered at St. Anthony’s College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, over the weekend, the Minister stated that unlike in the past when Africa was a ready example of a pitiable basket case, the continent has emerged a potent destination for investments in oil and gas.
Celebrating the rising profile of African energy in the global energy matrix, Mrs. Alison-Madueke stated that the recent flurry of offshore and onshore oil and gas discoveries across the continent has placed Africa on the front burner of the global energy map.
The Petroleum Minister argued that while it may make economic and geo-strategic sense for a nation to meet its energy needs from domestic sources instead of imports, it may not make so much sense from the perspective of the broad-based global development necessary to ensure the global stability.
“We believe that global stability comes from the balancing of regional interests.
To achieve optimal development for the African energy sector, the support and partnership of the industrialized world is critical. This would not only be in the interest of Africa, but also in the enlightened self-interest of the global community as a whole. We see a win-win outcome when industrialized nations source their energy needs from African nations.’’
She added that this would enable the wealthy nations satisfy their energy needs while at the same time generating for Africa, the vital export revenue that will make the continent less dependent on foreign developmental aid.
“ Investing in Africa’s growth opportunities is undeniably a much better model for providing long-term solutions to Africa’s developmental challenges than the grant of charitable aid,’’ She said.
Establishing a strong correlation between Africa’s development and drive to attaining global security, the Minister noted that the economic stability of Africa is a key factor in global security.
She argued that when Africa is ravaged by socio-economic instability, the rest of the world is less safe stating that no nation of the world, no matter how far away from Africa, is genuinely at peace with itself because the reality of our globalized world is that no nation is too far way to be impacted by upheavals in other regions of the world.
The Minister emphasized that the more Africa’s economy develops and African States earn export revenue that will lift their people from poverty, disease, illiteracy and other socio-economic depredations that have held Africa back, the less likely that Africa will provide the breeding ground for terrorism and other forms of violent civil unrest.
The Minister listed the investment opportunities on offer in the continent to include: upstream drilling and related services, pipeline engineering and construction, engineering and construction of oil and gas processing facilities,logistics and related support services, technical training and general human resources development, gas utilization for value added purposes such as fertilizer, power generation, petrochemicals to mention but a few.
“The world must have learned by now that Africa’s issues cannot be treated as side issues but must be placed front and centre in dialogue about the future of our planet. African energy has a role to play in the global energy market, but it can only play that role if the global community empowers it to play it,’’ she said.
On the threat posed to the Africa Energy market with the embrace of shale oil and gas by the US and China, Mrs. Alison-Madueke described the threat as potent and called on the Continent to rise up to the challenge.
Commenting on gas flaring and environmental pollution, the Minister stated that the country has begun the implementation of mitigation strategies that will over time compensate for years of carbon emissions adding that Nigeria aspires to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 at the latest.
This aspiration is already being realized with gas flares now at a significantly reduced level relative to previous levels. By 2010 it was down to 30 percent and now it’s down to 11 percent and would be down to two percent by 2020 and beyond, ’’ she enthused.
Energy
Asharami Synergy Unveils Fuelling Solutions In Omagwa
In line with its commitment to driving access to quality petroleum products, Asharami Synergy Limited, a leading Sahara Group downstream company, has said the public can now access exceptional fuelling solutions at its newly commissioned retail station in Omagwa, Rivers State.
Situated strategically along the Airport Road in Omagwa, the station, which features a storage capacity of 45,000 litres each for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO, also known as diesel) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, also known as petrol) is equipped with two pumps and four discharge nozzles for PMS and AGO.
The facility also has ample space for sundry services in a bid to ensure consumers get more “miles and smiles” as well as the energy to “go further” with Asharami’s world-class products.
“The Asharami Omagwa Retail Station is fully operational, offering a range of premium products and services. It’s a one-stop shop that also gives our esteemed customers eat-in and take-out restaurant services, shopping, as well as the Asha lubricants and Asha Service experience which will ensure premium care for all classes of automobiles and engines,” said Oladimeji Williams, Head, Government Relations and Business Development at Asharami Synergy.
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At the Commissioning, Willaims said the new station represents an important step in Asharami Synergy’s expansion plan aimed at reaching and serving more communities responsibly. “This station is strategically positioned close to the airport, serving as the gateway for powering socio-economic development in the community and those close to it, while enabling Asharami Synergy integrate all aspects of its downstream business towards ensuring efficiency and value for our customers,” he stated.
Williams commended the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Omagwa community leaders for their support and collaboration throughout the project’s duration, describing it as a “seamless and productive process that highlights Asharami’s corporate stewardship and social impact” in the community.
Similarly, Ifesinachi Ezike, Regional General Manager (South South), FAAN, emphasized the broader significance of the new station, stating, “This occasion marks a significant milestone not just for Asharami Synergy but for the airport and the entire community. It marks not just an opening of a new facility but the beginning of a renewed commitment to enhancing the travel experience of all our passengers and stakeholders”.
In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and community development, Asharami Synergy also commissioned a solar-powered borehole during the launch. The borehole is set to improve access to clean and reliable water for residents, marking a tangible contribution to the local community.
“At Sahara, we are always making a difference—not just through our business operations; we are unwavering in our commitment to driving sustainable development and building partnerships that enhance the well-being of our host communities,” Williams added.
Energy
Awards Galore For Shell, Staff At NAPE 2024 Conference
The Shell companies in Nigeria and staff won awards in recognition of their robust participation at the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held in Lagos.
At the closing dinner of the event, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Ronald Adams pledged sustained efforts by the company to address “the Nigerian energy trilemma by powering progress towards energy security in a sustainable manner”.
On the awards, the Shell was declared Best Overall Exhibitor and Best Exhibiting Energy company (International) just as Geophysicist Somime Oguntola took home the Award of Excellence for Oral Paper (second place).
The icing on the cake was a Shell staff, Johnbosco Uche, being installed as the new President of the NAPE.
It was gathered that the Shell companies in Nigeria have supported NAPE since its founding in 1975, using the skills and expertise of the large pool of energy professionals in its employment to improve its activities especially educational and mentoring programmes.
In addition to being a major sponsor of the 2024 conference, Shell mounted a high-profile exhibition, featuring among other things, career counselling, engagements on Nigerian Content and Contractor development and panel sessions on Women in Industry and Sustainability Energy Challenge.
A highlight was the Shell medical stand which attended to more than more than 500 conference participants and members of the public over the four days of the annual event. The doctors and nurses offered a wide range of services including laboratory tests, deworming, medical consultation as well as ophthalmology checks and distribution of nearly 300 eyeglasses.
Adams referred to the operations of SNEPCo as an example of Shell’s contribution to energy security in Nigeria. “As a result of sustained production from Bonga, we have provided funds to finance development, created a new generation of Nigerian Deepwater professionals, empowered indigenous contractors and service providers, and implemented social investments that have touched lives in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.
Adams added, “SNEPCo and indeed Shell are in Nigeria for the long haul. Our commitment is reflected in both our current and growth plans, all of which are grounded in principles of safety, affordability, and competitive performance.”
Energy
Accugas Denies Culpability In Akwa Ibom’s Power Outage
Owing to the persistent power outage, which has crippled economic and social life in most parts of Akwa Ibom State and environs, Accugas Limited has washed its hands off the ugly situation.
This was contained in a statement under the signature of its Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, in which the company traced the anomaly to a “fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line”.
To ameliorate the situation, the company maintained that “It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.”
In addition, the company pledged thus, “Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”
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The statement reads, “Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, wishes to strongly deny the misinformation concerning its alleged involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State.
“The power cut in Akwa Ibom State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid into the State. It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.
“Ibom Power Company (“IPC”) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (“Discos”). Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable c. 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.
“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state. Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested c. US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state. All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”