Oil
NOSDRA accuses PPMC,Total, MPN, Aiteo, Addax of crude oil spills in Aug 2015
By Kunle KALEJAYE
LAGOS-PIPELINES and Product Marketing Company, PPMC, Total Exploration and Production Company, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Addax Petroleum, and Aiteo all recorded cases of oil spills in the month of August 2015 according to spill data from Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA.
According to the spill data from NOSDRA, PPMC, Addax and MPN cases were confirmed while Total and Aiteo spill incidents are currently being reviewed, awaiting confirmation.
The data stated that PPMC spilled Premium Motor Spirit, PMS also known as petrol which actually occurred in on 6th June, 2015 at Ije-Ododo (ATC-Mosimi) and resulted to a fire out break but the cause of the spill and the quantity is yet to be determined.
For Total, the data stated that it was double spill of crude oil on the 16th of August, 2015 but reported to NOSDRA on the 16th and 18th of the same month, both awaiting confirmation.
The site location of the first incident is the KM 27.9 Obagi-Rumuekpe 12 Crude Oil Export Pipeline, Ekwutche, Rumuekpe community, Emuola Local Government area of Rivers State where 18 barrels about 2860 litres of crude oil was spilled due to sabotage/theft. The spill was stopped on the 23 August, 2015. The impact of the spill was within and outside the company’s right of way.
The second incident of crude oil spill from Total facility was on the same day of the first incident. 1200 barrels (about 190, 000 litres) of crude oil was spilled due to sabotage/theft at the KM 25/26 Obagi-Rumuekpe, 12” Crude Oil Export Pipeline, Imogu Rumuekpe community in Rivers State according to the spill data. The spill was stopped on the 31th August, 2015 and 20 barrels of crude was recovered. The impact of the spill was within the company’s right of way.
For MPN, 0.77 barrels of about 122 of unspecified contaminants was spilled on the 12th August, 2015 due to unspecified causes in offshore of Akwa Ibom state. The incident was reported the next day. Although the spill was confirmed by NOSDRA, the cause of the spill still remains a mystery.
Aiteo petroleum spilled 0.1 barrels about 16 litres of crude oil at Nembe creek 1 well 55s, mami-waterkiri on the 3rd of August, 2015. The incident which was reported on the August 6 is awaiting confirmation. Meanwhile, the spill data also stated that an unknown person stole bolts from the well head. No amounts of crude oil have been recovered so far but the estimated area covered by the spill is 300.0m2.
On the August 2, 2015, NOSDRA reported on its spill data that Addax petroleum spilled an unknown amount of crude oil due to unspecified causes in Adanga field, offshore, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
On September 1, 2015, MPN spilled 0.084, 528 barrels of crude oil due to unspecified causes in Ubit PP, offshore, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State which was reported the next day. The spill which has been confirmed was estimated to have covered 540000.0m2 area.
Oil
NNPC Targets 60% Methane Emission Reduction By 2031
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has unveiled a bold strategy to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector by 60% by 2031, with an ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
This announcement reinforces Nigeria’s leadership role under the Global Methane Pledge initiative and its commitment to tackling climate change.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, disclosed these plans during a meeting on Thursday with Robert Leahman, the U.S. State Department’s Global Methane Program Manager, and a delegation from Deloitte.
READ MORE: Atiku Gloats Over AUN’s Achievements Ahead Of 20th Anniversary
The discussions, held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, focused on collaborative efforts to reduce methane emissions through innovative and sustainable practices.
“Reducing methane emissions is not just an environmental necessity but also a strategic imperative for Nigeria’s energy transition. We are leveraging partnerships to adopt global best practices and innovative solutions,” Kyari stated.
Key among these efforts is a pilot project in the Niger Delta, aimed at establishing emissions baselines, mitigating methane leaks, and promoting sustainable operations across Nigeria’s energy sector.
The project, a partnership between NNPC, Deloitte, and the U.S. Bureau of Energy Resources, will utilize data-driven methodologies to pinpoint and address methane hotspots.
Robert Leahman commended Nigeria’s proactive stance, describing it as a benchmark for other nations on the continent.
“Nigeria’s leadership under the Global Methane Pledge sets a standard for the continent. These initiatives will not only help reduce emissions but also drive sustainable development in the energy sector,” he said.
Kyari highlighted the broader benefits of addressing methane emissions, noting its significance for both environmental protection and economic efficiency.
“This collaboration is a game-changer. By addressing methane leaks, we’re reducing waste, saving costs, and protecting the environment. It’s a win-win for our economy and the planet,” he added.
Oil
FG Introduces New Incentives To Revitalize Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Industry
In a strategic move to revitalize Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Federal Government has unveiled two key fiscal incentives aimed at attracting investment and enhancing energy security.
The announcement was made by Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on Wednesday.
The first initiative, the Value Added Tax (VAT) Modification Order 2024, introduces critical exemptions for essential energy products and infrastructure, including Diesel, Feed Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric Vehicles, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure, and Clean Cooking Equipment.
Read Also: Atiku Calls For Rotational Presidency Across Nigeria’s Geopolitical Zones
These exemptions are designed to reduce living costs for Nigerians, promote energy security, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
The second initiative, the Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Oil & Gas Production, offers new tax relief options for deep offshore exploration projects.
This measure aims to position Nigeria’s deep offshore basin as a premier destination for international oil and gas investments, boosting the country’s appeal to foreign investors.
These reforms are part of a broader set of policy initiatives, known as Policy Directives 40-42, endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The directives reflect the administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in the energy sector and enhancing Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global oil and gas market.
Business
Tinubu set to approve ExxonMobil-Seplat oil deal, expands CNG bus initiative
By Yemie Adeoye
NIGERIA’s President Bola Tinubu has announced that the protracted ExxonMobil-Seplat upstream oil divestment will be formally approved by the Minister of petroleum within a matter of days, just as he announced his government’s intention to expand the Compress natural Gas, CNG buses initiative.
The President who stated this during his Independence day nationwide broadcast stated that the move is in line with his administration’s commitment to free enterprise, free entry and free exit in investments which is the hallmark of his administration investment policy.
“Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes. This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively. As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector.”
The President also seized the opportunity to plead with Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reform policies. “As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel”.
“Our energy transition programme is on course. We are expanding the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit with private sector players. The Federal Government is ready to assist the thirty-six States and FCT in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation.
Fellow Nigerians, while we are working to stabilise the economy and secure the country, we also seek to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion. Our economy can only thrive when there is peace”. he enthused.