Gas
NLNG Act amendment: when ignorance becomes the order of the ‘House’
By Yemie ADEOYE
“Beware of false Knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance”- George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
HOUSTON, Tx-IT is no longer news that the Nigerian lower parliament, popularly referred to as the Federal House of Representatives have passed a bill to amend the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Act also known as the Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances Act.
What is news however is the flagrant display of ignorance by a supposed august body of lawmakers and their decision to take this frightfully unpopular decision for the primary and sole purpose of increasing the finances and taxes accruable to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, an Agency of government saddled with the responsibility of developing the oil rich Niger-Delta region both in infrastructure and human capital.
While this move by the House of representative may seem patriotic on the surface, a deeper and careful study of the development reveals otherwise.
The Federal House of Representatives at plenary
The NDDC which the lawmakers pretentiously claim to be concerned about was established also by an Act of parliament just like the NLNG and is by no means in want or need as it already receives the following benefits.
The equivalent of 10 per cent of the total monthly statutory allocations due to member states of the Commission from the Federation Account; 50 per cent of the 13 percent of the revenue accruing to the Federation account under subsection (2) of section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, deductible at source.
The NDDC also receives by virtue of the Act establishing it 0.5 per cent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating, on shore, in the Niger-Delta area; 50 per cent of monies due to member States of the Commission from the Ecological Fund; such monies as may from time to time, be granted or lent to or deposited with the Commission by the Federal or a State Government, any other body or institution whether local or foreign. Now several industry watchers have continued ask a fundamental question which the lawmakers apparently never considered.
“With all these monies mentioned above accruing to the NDDC, how come the Niger Delta is still in such a sorry state and an eye sore when it comes to infrastructural and environmental development? Is it the controversial 3 percent tax deductions from the NLNG that is expected to transform the Niger Delta region? NLNG is jointly owned by NNPC, Shell, Eni, and Total and these companies already pay dues to the NDDC as required by law, how can the NLNG an offshoot of these companies be taxed for the same NDDC without resorting to double taxation which is morally unjust and ethically lopsided? All these are simple questions begging for answers.
However, The NLNG remains the best thing to happen to the Nigerian gas industry haven reduced gas flaring activities in Nigeria from 65% at inception to below 20% today, while growing the Nigerian LNG business to the envy of the world with the largest LNG fleet in the whole of Africa.
This latest move by the Federal House of Representatives to rewrite the law which was crafted by far more cerebral Nigerians at the time is very worrisome because of the danger it portends for Foreign Direct Investments into the country. Prospective investors are certainly observing this anomaly and the question on the lips of these ones is simply, how are we sure any agreement with us and our investment would be respected in view of this flagrant disregard for an agreed procedure backed up by law?
Without the shadow of a doubt, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, is the best example of a successful public/private partnership in the Nigeria. The company has existed since its almost three decade lifespan without a single financial scandal of any sort, unlike other federal government agencies and parastatals.
The company is the only PPP in the country to sign on to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest voluntary corporate responsibility initiative with business and non-business participants from 160 countries across the globe just in an effort to remain financially transparent with professional and incorruptible workforce.
The NLNG has contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the Nigerian economy. It has since inception continued to pay applicable taxes, levies and charges to local, state and federal tiers of Government amounting to well over $5.5 billion. This is aside about $15 billion already paid in dividends to the Federal Government through the NNPC. In addition, the company operates a robust corporate social responsibility programme, considered a model by the rest of the oil and gas industry.
The programme has cost about 200 million US dollars to date and extends to areas including business and human capacity development and infrastructure development in our primary areas of operation and across Nigeria. It is instructive that NLNG was operating a Nigeria scholarship scheme even before it exported its first cargo in 1999/2000.
More recently, the company has spent 12 million US dollars to donate engineering laboratories and equipment to 6 universities across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, to support science and technology teaching and research.
In addition, NLNG currently supplies 40% of the nation’s cooking gas (LPG) while also providing scholarships to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East of the country. The NLNG has reduced gas flaring in Nigeria from 65% at inception to below 20% today. Now, the big question begging for an answer is who tampers with such an organisation, who really does that?
At the recently concluded offshore technology conference here in Houston, Texas, the minister of state for petroleum resources Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu who has been wooing investors alongside the Governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson stated in support of the NLNG that it is a no brainer for anyone to conceptualise what the House of Reps has embarked upon with regards to the NLNG Act.As far as the technocrat is concerned you don’t change a winning team. You don’t even tamper with its formation. NLNG has an Act of the national assembly backing up its establishment, and that must be respected if we don’t want to appear ridiculous in the eyes of the world.
As a Nigerian citizen, I’ve often wondered why members of the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives are hardly ever respected by Nigerians.
An NLNG Vessel at night
Whenever they speak or act one gets a sense of lack of seriousness or a frightful disconnect from the people they represent or the realities of the present day.
According to Jerry Ugoeli, an independent research analyst here in Texas, “When they speak you are never motivated or encouraged. There is nothing on record that has been said by these folks that can be quoted either today or in the future. When they speak they neither incite nor excite.
When they engage in fisticuffs it is never for the sake of the masses. Their major concern has always been issues of personal interest. Sadly however, these folks are so empowered by the constitution that no major development can be achieved in the country without them but do they even realize this fact? And does it move them at all?” He queries.
It is high time the lawmakers rise up to their job in the most professional manner rather than placing politics and personal gains above common sense.
The least expected of this supposed august body is to get schooled on realities in the oil and gas industry both globally and locally, this they could achieve by engaging either consultants or core industry stakeholders professionals in a bipartisan manner in the interest of the truth, common sense and the country.
Yemie ADEOYE a Publisher, industry analyst and host of the Energie Platform show writes from Houston Texas.
No fewer than 40 journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media in Lagos participated in this year’s NLNG Change Your Story training workshop held in Lagos between March 11 and 13.
The workshop, themed “Re-calibrate, Create, Connect,” focused on artificial intelligence in journalism, data visualisation, digital tools for real-time reporting, and ways to combat misinformation.
During the 3-day capacity workshop, participants examined the changing landscape of journalism shaped by AI and digital communication. They also explored how new media technologies can support real-time reporting, extend audience reach across borders, and strengthen engagement on digital platforms.
Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG Limited, charged the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the NLNG Change Your Story Capacity Workshop to improve the quality and credibility of their reporting. Horsfall, who spoke on the last day of it, described the workshop as part of NLNG’s broader effort to strengthen engagement with the media and support professional excellence in journalism. She encouraged participants to use the insights gained to improve the depth and credibility of their work.
“NLNG views this engagement as a strategic partnership. We provide the energy that powers nations and generates revenue for our nation; you provide the information that powers our minds. We have been proud to host you, but our pride will only be justified when we see the ‘New Standard’ in your next feature, your next broadcast, and your next investigative report. As you head back to your various stations, I urge you to take the spirit of this workshop with you,” she said.
The intensive programme combined expert-led discussions with practical sessions. Digital Communication specialist Mr. Dan Mason led sessions on digital storytelling, while media trainer Taiwo Obe facilitated a Journalism Clinic focused on newsroom practice and storytelling skills.
Mason described the NLNG programme as a relevant ingredient to grow the foundation for new digital skills among practitioners, noting that the Nigerian media industry is a vibrant sector with many energetic young people. “For me, it’s a really good place to work. I feel strongly that at each training session, people listened. ..It’s really about people going away with a little bit more confidence to say, I’m going to do this. I can do this. And in a way, that’s all you need.
“But, what you have here is the essential ingredient in developing journalism, which is the ability to make mistakes and then learn from them,” he said. He observed that Nigeria has an incredibly high rate of young people with an interest in news. According to him, research around the world shows that Nigeria stands out at the top, having young people who are interested in news.
“They care. In your use of mobile platforms, you are way ahead. People trust journalism and journalists. And while there may be issues with people or younger generations not wanting to look at the news, you’ve got such a great and strong foundation to build upon. So, I see hope and opportunity in Nigeria, though I also see the problems, because I’m a journalist. And I see fantastic opportunities here,” he added.
The Change Your Story initiative, launched by NLNG in partnership with The Journalism Clinic, is designed to strengthen professional capacity in the media industry. Since its launch in 2014, the programme has trained about 400 journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media across Nigeria.
The workshop, which began on Wednesday, concluded on Friday. At the end of the training, all participants were presented with certificates acknowledging their completion of the programme.
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has reinforced its commitment to strengthening journalism in Nigeria following the successful completion of the second edition of its #NLNGChangeYourStory workshop for 2026, held in Lagos.
Modupe Asudo
Sahara Group, a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has commissioned MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000‑cubic‑metre Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier, expanding its fleet capacity, while strengthening Ghana’s clean energy supply chain and LPG distribution network.
The dual‑fuel vessel improves operational efficiency, enhances supply reliability, and supports lower‑emission LPG logistics as consumption grows across Ghana and the wider sub‑region.
Ghanaian President Mahama and Sahara Executive Directors
Speaking at the commissioning in Ulsan, South Korea, President John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as “a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain,” noting that expanded shipping capacity is critical to improving supply security, reliability and efficiency for countries that rely partly on LPG imports.
He commended Sahara Group, WAGL Energy and all partners involved for their “leadership, technical expertise and strategic foresight,” adding that the project reflects “the power of partnership” in advancing safe, efficient, and responsible energy distribution.
President Mahama wished the MT Asharami Ghana safe sails, expressing confidence that the vessel would inspire further investment and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain.
According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, the vessel supports Ghana’s clean energy ambitions through integrated infrastructure.
“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000-Metric-tonne stock security for the Ghana economy, alongside the soon to be commissioned 6000-metric-tonee of 12.000-metric-tonne land storage in Tema,” he said.
With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.
Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said Asharami Ghana is part of Sahara’s integrated LPG infrastructure strategy spanning shipping, storage, and downstream distribution globally, including the development of a 12,000‑metric‑tonne land‑based LPG storage terminal in Tema, with a 6,000‑metric‑tonne first phase scheduled for completion in May 2026.
He thanked Yaa Serwaa Alifo, MD of Asharami Ghana, for her resilience and insistence to dedicate a ship of “this magnitude solely to the Ghana Market and its landlocked neighbours.”
Ghana is targeting LPG adoption of 50 per cent of households by 2030, up from about 30 per cent today. Sahara’s investments will support clean energy access for more than 35 million people, while strengthening Ghana’s role in regional LPG trade to neighbouring and landlocked West African markets.
The commissioning comes in Sahara Group’s 30th anniversary year, guided by the Sahara Beyond XXX milestone, underscoring Sahara’s focus on building an enduring enterprise that delivers responsible growth, shared prosperity and long‑term impact across its markets.
Modupe ASUDO
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has reiterated its commitment to advancing gender inclusion and sustainable capacity development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, spotlighting a $20m Women in Oil and Gas Intervention Fund.
The Board made this known at the 3rd edition of the Diversity Sector Working Group’s Women in Oil and Gas Conference and Mentorship Programme, held on March 3, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
The conference, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum, was themed ‘Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future’, with a strong focus on building bridges and empowering women for a sustainable energy future.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described women’s empowerment as a strategic lever for strengthening Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, particularly at a time the global industry was undergoing profound structural change.
He explained that the sector’s navigation of energy transition, rapid technological innovation and rising sustainability expectations increasingly requires broader perspectives, adaptive leadership and inclusive participation to remain competitive and resilient.
Represented by the General Manager Midstream PCAD, Ms. Lekoma Phimia, the Executive Secretary framed inclusion not as social advocacy but as sound economics, stressing that diversity consistently delivers measurable performance outcomes across industries.
“Inclusive organisations are more innovative, more resilient and more profitable. When women thrive, industries thrive. When women lead, economies grow. When women are empowered, communities prosper,” he stated.
To illustrate this point, the Executive Secretary referenced the leadership impact of Ms. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, describing her tenure as clear evidence of women’s capacity to drive sector-wide transformation at the highest levels.
According to him, such leadership exemplifies how competence and inclusion are helping to steer the industry through a period of accelerated change.
While acknowledging the progress recorded, Ogbe observed that systemic barriers had continued to limit the full participation of women across segments of the oil and gas value chain, stressing that addressing the constraints requires deliberate, structured and sustained interventions.
At the centre of NCDMB’s empowerment showcase, the Executive Secretary highlighted the Women in Oil and Gas Intervention Fund, a landmark $20m initiative established in partnership with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank to provide affordable financing exclusively to women-owned businesses operating within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He explained that the fund offers single-digit interest rate loans with repayment tenors of up to three years, targeted at eligible companies with approved industry contracts. According to him, the initiative is designed to accelerate local capacity and enable women entrepreneurs to transition from peripheral participation to ownership and leadership across the oil and gas value chain.
Ogbe further disclosed that a complementary intervention, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry, extends structured business training and additional access to capital to women-owned enterprises. He noted that many beneficiaries have expanded from small service providers into competitive vendors now supporting major oil and gas operators nationwide, particularly in logistics and marine services, safety equipment supply and environmental management — segments where female entrepreneurs have historically faced limited access to financing.
Beyond financing, the Executive Secretary highlighted NCDMB-supported skills development programmes executed in collaboration with institutions such as the Petroleum Training Institute and accredited industrial training centres in Rivers and Bayelsa states. He cited the training of women in welding and fabrication, noting that many graduates are employed in fabrication yards and contribute directly to major oil and gas projects.
“These women are earning dignified livelihoods, breaking stereotypes and inspiring a new generation,” Ogbe said, emphasising that collaboration remains critical to scaling impact, citing partnerships with financial institutions, development partners, training institutions and industry stakeholders.
He commended the NCCF Diversity Sector Working Group for sustaining advocacy and dialogue on inclusion. “We must move beyond inclusion towards leadership — more women in technical leadership roles, executive positions and industry boards,” he added.
In her remarks, the Chairman of NCCF Diversity Sector Working Group, Dr Alero Onosode, described the conference as a celebration of progress, leadership and possibility, noting that NCDMB’s sponsorship reflects its strong institutional commitment to inclusion and shared prosperity. She observed that convening the conference in March — International Women’s Day month — was symbolic, coming at a time of renewed activity and reform across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“Alongside this momentum, we are seeing the rise of women into visible and influential leadership roles — regulators, CEOs, directors, engineers and policymakers shaping strategy and transforming spaces that were once dominated by a single voice,” Onosode said.
She explained that the conference theme challenged stakeholders to move from representation to impact, urging deliberate collaboration across sectors, generations and perspectives.
“Building bridges means women and men working together, turning diversity into strength and collaboration into results,” she stated, calling on industry leaders to prioritise mentorship, sponsorship and intentional partnerships.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for inclusive capacity development, with NCDMB reaffirming its commitment to empowering women, strengthening Nigerian content and ensuring that Nigeria’s energy future is sustainable, inclusive and economically transformative.
Dangote Donates ₦550m Students’ Hostel to FUTO
Dangote Refinery’s Expansion to 1.4m bpd Creates Jobs for 95,000 Skilled Workers
PwC Recommends Nigeria’s Oil Sector to South African Investors
Bayern Won’t Sell Olise Even for €200m — Rummenigge Drops Bombshell
Salvation for All Souls Global Outreach Provides Free Medicals at Osun
“My Properties Are Legitimate” — Malami Challenges EFCC Allegations in Court
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
