Mohammed Shosanya

The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA),has urged the Federal Government to use check to check the theft and smuggling of Nigeria’s petroleum products to neighbouring countries.

Benneth Korie,the National President of NOGASA,who gave the suggestion at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday,also emphasized the need to redesign distribution channels to prevent illegal exportation of petroleum products.

The government,he said,should strengthen the nation’s security agencies, especially at border points, with necessary equipment. Additionally, providing logistics and drones for surveillance will help combat smuggling and theft effectively.

He also tasked government to ensure level playing ground in the sales of crude to guard against monopolistic control in the sector.

He emphasized urgent need for improved access to refined petroleum products in Nigeria, praising Aliko Dangote’s new refinery, which he noted will enhance competition.

He tasked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC Limited on the urgent revival of Nigeria’s local refineries and highlighted the importance of combating smuggling, improving agriculture, and addressing multiple taxation.

He further advocated the need for selling crude oil in Naira and called for better distribution channels to stabilize prices and ensure fair access for all stakeholders in the petroleum sector.

“Summarily, these issues center on the critical need for concerted actions at ensuring adequate access to and availability of refined petroleum products, addressing the challenges of smuggling, enhancing our agricultural sector, improving our transportation network, and tackling multiple taxation.

“Firstly, regarding refined products, we must foster a competitive environment to ensure the healthy circulation of petroleum products, and to this end I commend Aliko Dangote for his monumental contribution to our industry through the establishment of the largest refinery in Nigeria. This development promises substantial benefits, including enhanced supply, increased competition, and a bolstering of our national economy and currency.

“To ensure a balanced distribution, I urge that Dangote’s refined products be made available to a broader range of stakeholders, including NNPC Trading, NNPC Retail, DAPPMAN, MOMAN, IPMAN, PETROAN, and NOGASA.

“This inclusivity will facilitate sustainable and widespread distribution across the country.
Furthermore, the Federal Government should expedite the commencement of the Port Harcourt refinery slated for September. This will help alleviate current shortages and ensure that products are distributed among the same stakeholders.

“I also want to express our support for Mr. President’s directive to sell crude oil in Naira. We hope that our refineries will reciprocate by selling refined products in Naira, thus stabilizing the market”.

Mohammed Shosanya

NIPCO Gas Limited,Wednesday commissioned its 24MW Lekki Power Plant and Lekki Gas Distribution Project as par of its efforts to deepen gas utilization in the country.

The commissioning,which was done with support of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC),followed the partnership NIPCO Gas entered with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) for supply and distribution of natural gas in Lekki Gas Distribution Area in June, 2022.

NGML-NIPCO Gas JV has executed Gas Infrastructure and Development Agreement with Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC) in November, 2022 to provide natural gas supplies to industries and Power plant.

Premium News reports that the infrastructure developed by NGML-NIPCO Gas JV has capacity of over 100 mmscfd,while the City Gate Station constructed by NGML-NIPCO Gas JV has a present capacity to flow 5 mmscfd to 25 mmscfd of gas further extendable to over 100 mmscfd.

Lekki Free Zone has a gas-based power plant of 24 MW capacity.

Speaking at the event in Lagos,the Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Ltd ,Nagendra Verma,explained that the milestone marks a significant step towards unlocking and harnessing the nation’s abundant natural gas while economic development of Nigeria.

He said,the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV is sure that the infrastructure created will attract more industries to set up their facilities within and outside LFZDC.

He also said that,the supply of piped natural gas by NGML-NIPCO JV is certainly help in development of Lekki Free Zone and Free Zone Enterprise licensed by NEPZA (FZE) in exponential manner.

According to him,this will also boost the industrialization and employment opportunities in Lekki area which in turn will boost the economy of the country.

He said:”NIPCO Gas believes that the collaboration between NGML-NIPCO Gas shall attracts industries to set up their facilities, as Lekki Free Zone has many advantages like proximity to the sea-port, export promotion zone advantages, improving road connectivity-hence providing better logistics for movement of raw materials or finished products etc.

“NGML-NIPCO Gas JV has the natural gas distribution network along Lagos-Ibadan

“Expressway and supplying gas to industries to meet their energy requirement. This gas distribution is also being extended to Ibadan, Oyo State and Abeokuta, Ogun State presently. With the availability of natural gas distribution network, lot of industries are setting up their facilities there.

” This is resulting in overall development of the area with increased number of employments resulting into socio-economic upliftment of citizens. Industries are enjoying reliable, economical and clean fuel for powering their factories and other fuel needs. The use of natural gas has reduced the industries fuel bills drastically and also contributed in lower equipment maintenance cost being the cleanest fuel.

“NIPCO Gas in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited is also expanding AutoCNG Stations across Nigeria under Presidential CNG initiative. NIPCO Gas is sure that with support of supply of piped natural gas to industries, NGML-NIPCO Gas JV will be able to keep and maintain lower AutoCNG prices. Also, the increased usage of domestic gas in industrial and automobile sector, will certainly help the Federal Government in reduction in fuel importation bill and fuel subsidy burden.

“Supply of natural gas to Lekki Free Zone being a prestigious project, NIPCO Gas feels honored and grateful to be associated with this project and would really like to thank NNPC Gas Marketing Limited by making NIPCO Gas as their preferred JV partner, and a great thank to LFZDC for partnering with the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV.

“We are deeply grateful and would like to especially thank NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company for their unhindered support and guidance and for expediting the connectivity to this prestigious project. We hope with deepening in utilization of domestic natural gas will certainly help in overall development and economy of Nigeria”.

In his remarks,the Managing Director, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, Mr Justin Ezeala, stated the event was a milestone in the annals of gas infrastructure development in the country.

He lauded NIPCO Gas for the effort infused in the gas project to actualise gas to Lekki Free Trade Zone.

He said that NIPCO Gas remains a remarkable and dependent company, saying that “we are indebted to NIPCO Gas commitment and professionalism.

” We are proud of all the parties involved in this success story.We knew the gas business revolves around us and that we could deliver seamlessly to the myriad of industries in the zone.

“We came into gas business development in the zone with a big renowned player, NIPCO Gas, that is noted for its giant strides in gas marketing and infrastructure development to enhance gas value,” he said.

Ezeala said NNPC Gas Marketing came into business with LFZDC with an extra value alongside its partner – NIPCO Gas – a fully owned subsidiary of NIPCO Plc, which is noted for its consistency in gas infrastructure upgrade.

“NIPCO has exhibited giant efforts in pipeline construction and penchant for customer collections. We have worked together for years and they remained one of the consistent partners of ours,” Ezeala noted.

“We are proud to be associated with NIPCO in view of their antecedents in gas infrastructure development. We have trust in them and look forward to this commissioning of the milestone project,” he added.

Speaking,the Managing Director, LFZDC, Dai Shunfa, said the project will enhanced development in the zone and also impacted positively, adding that the gas pipeline had being connected and ready for business.

He commended NIPCO Gas company for making sufficient gas available for business operations in the zone.

He said:”We are ready to take off .The gas project will contribute to the economy and also boost local community capacity. We negotiated the agreement with NIPCO and NGML. It has become reality today.

“I believe this is a win-win situation for the parties. This will be a key facility for us,” said Mr Shunfa. We have over 100 companies in Lekki Free Zone and about 75 companies were in operations”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The NNPC Ltd has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.

The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities.

Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions.

The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets, a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,said.

Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services.

The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.

The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.

Speaking,the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.

“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.

The outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.

The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates.

It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.