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Sahara Group Shares Three-pronged Net Zero Plan In 2023 Sustainability Report

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Strategic investment in gas assets and infrastructure, Integration of Renewable Energy, and Emissions Reduction through Nature-Based Solutions are the tripod strategies poised to drive Sahara Group’s net zero plan going forward.

This was revealed by its Director, Governance and Sustainability, Ejiro Gray, during the launch of the energy conglomerate’s 2023 Sustainability Report, titled, “Dimensioning the Energy Transition: Path to Net Zero”.

According to Gray, the three-pronged strategy reinforces Sahara’s commitment towards a more sustainable future, with 2060 as the net zero target for Sahara’s operations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

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“This sustainability report underscores our steadfast commitment to addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors across our diverse operations along the energy value chain. As a business, we showcase a multifaceted strategy to minimise our environmental impact. This includes various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimise energy efficiency, and responsibly manage resources,” she said.

She noted that the Sahara Group acknowledges the role of natural gas as a crucial bridge fuel and is already expanding investments in gas to ensure energy security while taking tangible steps towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner energy mix by launching pilot solar projects.

She noted that in pursuit of emissions reduction, Sahara Group embraced nature-based solutions through investments and partnerships in reforestation and conservation projects.

“Our partnership with Treedom exemplifies this commitment, with the planting of 2,000 trees in Cameroon and Kenya expected to absorb a substantial 900,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next decade,” she added.

The Sahara Group’s path to net-zero emissions has been tiered into distinct phases. In the short term (2022-2030), the focus will be on reducing carbon footprint through initiatives like fleet electrification, cycling programs, and energy efficiency measures. In the medium term (2031-2040), Sahara will look to further diversify its energy portfolio and increase investments in renewable energy projects. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 through offsetting any remaining emissions through nature-based solutions and other carbon reduction initiatives.

On his part, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, pointed out the report’s comprehensive scope, which encompasses various affiliates within the Sahara Group, including Asharami Energy, Sahara Trade, Asharami Synergy, Egbin Power, First Independent Power Limited, Ikeja Electric, and the Sahara Group Foundation.

Obioma said Sahara’s upstream operations recorded reduction in carbon footprint and exceptional host community relations which led to the implementation of impactful projects focused on enhancing livelihoods, education, and healthcare.

“Launching our Gas to Power project, providing 24-hour electricity to the Ajoki Community in Edo State—a first-of-its-kind initiative, achieving ISO 20400 certification for sustainable procurement and recording a remarkable 3 million Lost Time Injury (LTI) free man-hours, underscores our dedication to both social impact and operational safety,” he said.

He said Sahara also achieved successful outcomes from its midstream, downstream, and power businesses through substantial reductions in carbon emissions, focus on operational efficiency, and implementation of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.

Energy

Nigeria’s Gas Output Increases By 2.9%, Reaching 2.29 MSCF

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Amid a slight increase in gas production, Nigeria’s oil output experienced a substantial rise in November 2024.

Gas production saw a 2.9% month-on-month (MoM) increase, reaching 2,292,951 million standard cubic feet (MSCF) from 2,292,471 MSCF in October.

However, on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, the growth was minimal, with a mere 0.02% increase in output for the first 11 months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

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The latest gas report from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) also revealed a 1.6% increase in domestic gas consumption.

A total of 606,658 MSCF was consumed locally, compared to 596,861 MSCF during the same period in 2023. Gas exports, meanwhile, rose by 6.9%, reaching 829,156 MSCF, up from 775,547 MSCF in the corresponding period of 2023.

This growth in exports continues to play a vital role in bolstering Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Despite these positive figures, sources close to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) noted that oil remains the dominant force in Nigeria’s energy sector, with gas taking a secondary role.

On the other hand, the NUPRC’s oil production report revealed a remarkable surge.

Nigeria’s oil output, including condensates, rose by 13.3% year-on-year in November 2024, reaching 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), up from 1.5 million bpd in November 2023. Month-on-month, oil production also increased by 10%, from 1.5 million bpd in October 2024.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), discussed the broader structural dynamics within Nigeria’s economy, highlighting the dominance of the non-oil sector.

In his 2025 Outlook, Dr. Yusuf noted that the non-oil sector contributed 94.43% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q3 2024, while the oil sector accounted for just 5.57%.

“However, the economy is characterized by a paradox of the oil sector contributing an estimated 90% of foreign exchange earnings, while the non-oil sector accounts for about 10%,” Dr. Yusuf said.

“This is a structural shortcoming in our economy which needs to be addressed, as sectors that contribute hugely to GDP have no corresponding contribution to foreign exchange earnings.”

He further emphasized the need to address the challenges faced by the non-oil sector, which include issues related to productivity, infrastructure, funding, and regulatory constraints.

“The policy implication is that more should be done to fix the challenges of productivity and competitiveness of the non-oil sector of the economy,” Dr. Yusuf added

 

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JUST IN: NNPC Ltd Reopens Warri Refinery

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced that the 125,000-barrel-per-day Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) in Warri, Delta State, has become operational.

This is coming about a month after the commencement of operations at the 60,000-barrel-per-day-old Port Harcourt Refinery.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, made the disclosure during a tour of the facility on Monday.

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A video posted by Channels TV on Monday showed Kyari addressing a tour team, which included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

Before the tour commenced, Kyari explained that the inspection aimed to show Nigerians the level of work completed so far.

According to him, although the repairs on the facility are not yet 100 per cent complete, operations have commenced.

He said, “We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.”

Located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji, Warri, the petrochemical plant produces 13,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black.

Commissioned in 1978 and managed by NNPC Ltd, the WRPC was built to supply markets in the southern and southwestern regions of Nigeria.

The mechanical completion of the facility was initially scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, according to the Spokesperson of the NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye.

“Warri should be done by Q1 (first quarter) 2024,” Soneye stated.

The WRPC is one of Nigeria’s four refineries. Others include the old and new Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company in Kaduna State.

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Energy

Dangote Partnership: MRS Urges Nigerians To Insist On N935/Litre Petrol Price Nationwide

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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.”

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