Energy
Revelations On The “Unseen Hands” Fighting Dangote Refinery: A Deep Dive
In 2022, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced the acquisition of OVH Energy, a subsidiary of Oando, which operates Oando filling stations.
This move was intended to integrate OVH Energy with NNPC Limited, the entity responsible for downstream operations, including refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products.
However, new revelations suggest a different narrative, one that has significant implications for the Nigerian oil industry.
In reality, it appears OVH Energy, rather than being acquired, has taken control of NNPC Retail.
Following the merger, Huub Stokman, formerly the CEO of OVH, assumed the role of Managing Director of NNPC Retail, replacing the Nigerian MD, Margret Okadigbo.
This change has raised concerns among NNPC insiders, with one key official describing the transaction as “the worst possible acquisition deal ever.”
Barely a month after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in June 2023, OVH Energy began to assert its dominance over NNPC Limited’s operations. An investigation by Premium Times, which included interviews with key NNPC personnel, confirmed that OVH Energy now effectively controls NNPC Retail.
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Despite the controversy, NNPC Managing Director Mele Kyari defended the merger, citing an all-time high profit of N18.4 billion attributed to the deal with OVH Energy.
However, this financial success story is contradicted by NNPC’s subsequent actions.
In September 2023, it was revealed that the NNPC had borrowed $1.036 billion to acquire a mere 7.2% stake in the Dangote Refinery, far short of the 20% initially agreed upon. Kyari later admitted that NNPC lacked the funds to purchase the remaining 12.8% of the shares, despite the previous claims of high profits.
Moreover, NNPC is now seeking to borrow an additional $2 billion for undisclosed purposes, raising further suspicions of financial mismanagement. This situation has led to a fierce conflict between Dangote and NNPC over the Dangote Refinery.
Amidst this turmoil, the role of Oando and its CEO, Wale Tinubu, has come under scrutiny.
Wale Tinubu, who is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nephew and long-time business associate, has a history of controversial business dealings. Their partnership dates back to 2002, when Bola Tinubu, as Governor of Lagos, established Alpha-Beta, a company that has been accused of being a conduit for siphoning funds.
These developments have led to widespread allegations of corruption and cronyism, with many pointing fingers at the highest levels of government. As the battle over the Dangote Refinery intensifies, it is clear that the power dynamics within Nigeria’s oil industry are shifting, driven by unseen hands and questionable deals.
The implications of these revelations are far-reaching, potentially affecting Nigeria’s economic stability and public trust in its institutions. As more details emerge, the true extent of the “unseen hands” fighting for control of the Dangote Refinery will undoubtedly become clearer, raising critical questions about governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Energy
Dangote Partnership: MRS Urges Nigerians To Insist On N935/Litre Petrol Price Nationwide
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide.
The company has also called on Nigerians to monitor and report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.
Biztellers reports that this is consequent upon an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.
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It was gathered that MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance.
In a statement on Monday night, the company declared, “Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: NG-FMKPMGWHISTLEBLOWING@NG.KPMG.COM”
Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, “We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol, with many expressing their gratitude to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.
A commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, Ibukun Phillips, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.
“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”
A commercial bus driver, Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.
“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.
A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”
Energy
FDI: Shell To Invest Billions Of Dollars On Nigeria’s Bonga North Oil Field
As a direct implication of the Federal Government’s Foreign Direct Investment drive, the Royal Dutch Shell has completed the final investment decision on the deep offshore Bonga North project in Nigeria.
Biztellers reports that the Bonga North will be a subsea tie-back to the Shell-operated Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility which Shell operates with a 55% interest.
Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Zoë Yujnovich, said, “This is another significant investment, which will help us to maintain stable liquids production from our advantaged Upstream portfolio”.
ALSO READ: OGUNCCIMA Commends Dangote Refinery’s Impact
It was gathered that the Bonga North project involves drilling, completing, and starting up 16 wells (8 production and 8 water injection wells), modifications to the existing Bonga Main FPSO and the installation of new subsea hardware tied back to the FPSO.
The company is optimistic that the project will sustain oil and gas production at the Bonga facility.
The Bonga North currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and will reach a peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil a day, with first oil anticipated by the end of the decade.
In addition, the Bonga North will help ensure Shell’s leading Integrated Gas and Upstream business continues to drive cash generation into the next decade.
Energy
Chevron Nigeria Bags ‘Energy Company Of The Year For Environmental Sustainability And CSR
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), has received an award as “Energy company of the year (2024)” for its Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility accomplishments.
The award presented by the Nigerian News Direct newspaper, on Friday December 6, 2024, and was received by Manager Communications, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa Business Unit, Victor Anyaegbudike, at a colourful event at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
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The organizers of the award noted that Chevron has implemented the “Protecting People and the Environment” policy, which aims at preventing injuries, illnesses, and environmental incidents. They also referenced that the company has achieved 97% gas flaring reduction in its operations in Nigeria, while implementing waste management and environmental conservation programs.
According to the media organization, Chevron Nigeria has also invested millions of dollars in community development programs, supporting education, health and economic development initiatives that have benefited thousands of people, while ensuring diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement in its business operations.
Receiving the award from the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, Anyaegbudike thanked the organizers for the honour, and reiterated Chevron’s commitment to continue to develop, affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world.