Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Local Refineries’ Owners Association has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to legalize local refineries in the region, as part of measures to curb illegal bunkering in the country.

The group in an online statement sent to journalists and signed by Kachi Vitals, Rivers State; Orachi Jay, Imo State; Roland Gedu, Delta State; Bani Ebi, Bayelsa State; Fumilayo Kola, Ondo State; Osadolor Osaretin, Edo State; Joshua Etim, Akwa-Ibom State and Ugochukwu Orji, Abia State said the destruction of local refineries will not solve the problem of vandalism.

It said:”We want the federal government to know that we were not involved in the pipeline surveillance contract in Niger Delta because those handling it in our area only gave it to some group of persons without recognition of the local refineries’ owners.

“We have been abandoned in the scheme of things in the country. Militants and Boko Haram terrorists have been given amnesty by the federal government but in the case of the local refineries operators, no one cares about us.

“No one can secure pipelines more than us because we rely on the product to operate our refineries. So we are strongly against vandalization. Those claiming to be expert in securing the pipeline are the ones currently involved in vandalization of pipelines and illegal bunkering but in a higher level.

“They intimidate and oppress people with the security outfit. Seize and sell equipments including products. For benefit of doubt I challenged them to produce any of the vessels, equipments of illegal refineries and products seized.

“That was why they refused to involved us in the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta. Now that the contract is about to be renewed, we appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to decentralize the contract in a way that we will be directly involved.

“We call on our traditional rulers, political leaders and notable stakeholders in the Niger Delta to help talk to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to take into consideration our position and plea for a lasting solution to vandalism in the Niger Delta region”, it added.

Mohammed Shosanya

Gastech 2023, the world’s largest meeting place for natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, and climate technologies, opened today welcoming record-breaking numbers to Singapore EXPO.

The first day featured a range of insightful contributions from policymakers, CEOs, and business leaders on the multiple, interconnected challenges facing the global energy sector.

Delegates discussed the critical role of natural gas, LNG, and hydrogen as key enablers of future energy security and accelerators of the energy transition, in Asia and beyond.

Speaking at the Gastech 2023 Gala Dinner at Raffles Hotel yesterday, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Leader of the Conservative Party, Foreign Secretary and Mayor of London, said: “The complexity of today’s geopolitical and economic climates have left governments grappling with the dual challenge of addressing climate change and meeting increasing energy demand. This winter, businesses and families around the world face high inflation, high interest rates, and uncertainty over energy prices. At events like Gastech, the global energy community have a unique and important opportunity to align on collective action towards a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy future.”

This morning, H.E. Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, welcomed attendees to Singapore at the Opening Ceremony: “The world is undergoing a profound energy transition, getting to net zero while preserving energy security and economic competitiveness. Moving forward, the demand for natural gas in Asia will only continue to grow. Singapore is committed to satisfying the region’s energy needs.”

The Strategic Conference began with a high-level discussion between international energy ministers on how natural gas and LNG will enable the global energy industry to meet near-term demand for low-carbon energy. H.E. Tarek El Molla, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, shared valuable insights on the rapid expansion of natural gas and LNG in the region: “We have all agreed that natural gas is the best choice for the energy transition. Egypt has built on the momentum of COP27, but continued investment, as well as sustained cooperation among countries, is very much needed.”

Also speaking at the Gastech 2023 Ministerial Session, Hon. Joseph McMonigle, the Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF) emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue on decarbonisation ahead of the COP28 Summit:

He said:”What we have learned is that this linear approach to net zero is an outdated approach that is not workable in many areas around the world. We need everyone at the table, and I hope that at this COP, we will focus on progress and not perfection. There are so many things we can do to make progress on climate change, and natural gas is going to help the world to decarbonise.”

A CEO panel was attended by industry heads from JERA Co., Inc, Baker Hugues, Woodside Energy, ADNOC, Mitsubishi Corporation and Pavilion Energy, focused on transforming global energy through collaborative business models and constructive partnerships. Speakers shared insights into the new business models being deployed to support a net zero energy future, with low-carbon solutions applied to the hard to abate industries.

Another high-level session saw business leaders from ExxonMobil, Eni, Chevron, Shell, and Vitol delve into the dynamic global LNG market, as a resilient industry with the potential to meet the demands of the future energy system. Participants discussed how Europe’s changing LNG needs are forecast to outpace global supply capacity until the middle of this decade, resulting in heightened levels of competition as Asian demand picks up.

Gastech 2023’s opening day also saw Venture Global LNG CEO Mike Sabel and Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli announce Venture Global LNG’s long-term expansion plan to increase production from 70 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to more than 100MTPA of LNG export capacity. To support this initiative, Venture Global LNG and Baker Hughes have together executed an expanded master equipment supply agreement for the delivery of additional liquefaction train systems and power island systems for Venture Global LNG’s future export projects.

“Venture Global LNG is thrilled to announce our long-term plan to expand LNG production both in and outside of Louisiana, building on the momentum of our first three projects – Calcasieu Pass, Plaquemines LNG and CP2 LNG,” said Mike Sabel, CEO of Venture Global LNG speaking following the announcement.

“Now more than ever we are committed to our mission of delivering low-cost LNG at a larger scale to support the world’s growing demand for energy security, prosperity, and environmental progress. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Baker Hughes, a world leader in energy technology, and look forward to building on our successful collaboration in our upcoming projects.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Italian oil major Eni has signed an agreement with Oando, an energy solutions provider listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, for the sale of all its stake in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd).

NAOC Ltd currently has interests across 4 onshore blocks (OML 60, 61, 62, 63), which it operates on behalf of NAOC JV (operator NAOC Ltd 20 percent, Oando 20 percent, NNPC E&P Limited 60 percent), in the Okpai 1 and 2 power plants (with a total nameplate capacity of 960MW), and in two onshore exploration leases (OPL 282 and OPL 135, respectively 90 percent and 48 percent) for which it also holds operatorship.

NAOC Ltd participating interest in SPDC JV (Shell Production Development Company Joint Venture – operator Shell 30 percent, TotalEnergies 10 percent, NAOC 5 percent, NNPC 55 percent) is not included in the perimeter of the transaction and will be retained in Eni’s portfolio,a statement said.

The statement quoted that sequel to the transaction completion with Oando Plc, Eni will maintain its presence in Nigeria through Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) and Agip Energy and Natural Resources (AENR).

The company continues to operate in the country focusing on operated offshore activities. Participations in operated-by-others assets, both onshore and offshore, and Nigeria LNG will remain in Eni portfolio too.

According to the statement,the transaction increases Oando’s current participating interests in OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63 from 20 percent to 40 percent and also increases Oando’s ownership stake in all NEPL/NAOC/OOL Joint Venture assets and infrastructure which include forty discovered oil and gas fields, of which twenty-four are currently producing, approximately forty identified prospects and leads, twelve production stations, approximately 1,490 km of pipelines, three gas processing plants, the Brass River Oil Terminal, the Kwale Okpai phases 1 & 2 power plants (with a total nameplate capacity of 960MW), and associated infrastructure.

The transaction also grows Oando’s exploration asset portfolio through the acquisition of a 90 percent interest in OPL 282 and 48 percent interest in OPL 135.

Speaking,Wale Tinubu CON, Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc said: “The synergies created by this acquisition will unlock unparalleled opportunities for us
to re-align expectations, enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and significantly increase production.

He added:“Furthermore, it is in alignment with our strategy of acquiring, enhancing, appraising, and efficiently developing reserves.

“Today’s announcement is not just an important milestone for the future of Oando; it brings to bear the important role indigenous actors will play in the future of the Nigerian upstream sector”