Director Monitoring and Evaluation NCDMB, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu and some NCDMB staff with the management of Butane Energy at the commissioning of LPG plant at Kaduna. Butane Energy is one of Board’s 3rd party investment.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Butane Energy Limited on Friday recorded a significant milestone in their collective drive to make liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a widely accessible, cleaner, and more cost-effective fuel option for cooking in the country, with the commissioning of a 180-metric-tonne LPG Filling Plant in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The Filling Plant, the second after the commissioning of another 100MT LPG Storage and Bottling Plant in Kabukawa Layout, Katsina, Katsina State, in 2021, is part of a joint venture to establish five of such facilities in Northern Nigeria with a combined storage capacity of 1,000MT. Kano LPG Storage and Bottling Plant in Kano State is slated for commissioning in the first quarter of 2025, while construction work on another in Bauchi is at an advanced stage. Abuja is next in line.

In an exclusive interview with newsmen after the commissioning ceremony at the Kaduna Plant, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation of NCDMB, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, expressed satisfaction with the impressive strides of Butane Energy Ltd.

He pointed out that NCDMB was motivated to enter into equity partnership with the indigenous LPG storage, trading and marketing company after the latter presented “a [bankable] business plan aimed at enhancing gas penetration in northern Nigeria.”

He explained that the Board acted in line with its statutory mandate to catalyse in-country capacity development through equity funding.

NCDMD, he noted further, was also interested in job creation through such projects, as there were clear possibilities for employment into technical and managerial cadres as operations progressed. According to him, no fewer than 200 Nigerians gained employment, and there was the added benefit of local content growth.

Equally significant to the NCDMB was the consideration that the project was in alignment with Federal Government’s expressed commitment to net-zero emissions by 2026, and the campaign for cleaner alternative to kerosene and firewood as cooking fuel.

In his own remarks, the Chairman, Butane Energy Limited, Alhaji Isa Inuwa Muhammed, stated that NCDMB is a co-owner of the company, and expressed gratitude to the Management of the NCDMB for the confidence reposed in his company, particularly in its vision and business approach.

According to the Chairman, the relationship between the Board and Butane is based on trust, and that the success thus far would greatly reinforce the partnership. Established in 2017 as a player in LPG storage and marketing, Butane Energy Limited has massive distribution assets in northern Nigeria, and is deliberate in its corporate objective to make the fuel accessible to every part of the region.

The LPG Filling Plant is part of NCDMB’s strategic third-party investments aimed at supporting in-country capacity development, reducing reliance on traditional fuels, fostering sustainability and building a greener future for Nigeria.             

As part of the strategies to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production and enhance revenue accruing to the national treasury, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has advocated for a week in each year to be dedicated to signing Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) on new oil and gas projects.

The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe made the proposal in his presentation at the 2024 African Energy Week (AEW), holding at Cape Town, South Africa.

A final investment decision is the final point in an energy project, in which the company or partners owning and operating a project give the final approval for the development, releasing the funding for the commencement.

Ogbe stated that the FID Week, if adopted, could be incorporated into the existing annual international oil and gas conferences and would feature international and indigenous operating companies.

He posited that dedicating a week every year for FID signing could compel companies and relevant regulators to fast-track their processes to meet the deadline.

He also indicated that the proposal for the annual FID Week has already been broached to Special Adviser on Energy to President, Mrs. Olu Verheijen and the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and international operating companies and was being considered.

Represented at the African Energy Week (AEW) by the Director, Projects Certification and Authorisation Division (PCAD) Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, the NCDMB boss said the proposal for an annual FID Week was geared to address the insufficient FIDs signed by the operating companies and the limited number of new projects being developed in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. These worrisome developments contributed to Nigeria’s dwindling crude oil production and the negative impact on revenue, he said.

He suggested that the Nigerian oil and gas industry needed to have at least one or two final investment decisions on major projects to be signed every year, to catalyze activity in the local service sector and the national economy and ultimately increase crude oil and gas production and revenue for the country.

He made reference to the three Presidential Directives (PDs) rolled out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March 2024, for the oil and gas industry, stating that NCDMB had complied fully with the directives as it relates to fast-tracking the contracting cycle and eliminating middlemen with no demonstrable capacity from participating in the oil and gas value chain.

The PDs included Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance, Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Cost and Timelines and Presidential Directive on Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc)

Ogbe announced that NCDMB had applied the Presidential Directives in approving five oil and gas projects which are currently in the funnel. He hinted that the expected production values of those projects are 1 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day and 350,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Commenting on strategies that would ensure sustainable local content development in African nations, the Executive Secretary stated that local content has to be promoted as a national agenda and supported by all institutions, businesses, decision makers, investors and citizens.

Some other personnel of the NCDMB made presentations at the 2024 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) on core operations and initiatives of the agency.

The officials included Director of Finance and Personnel Management, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha, the Manager, Institutional Strengthening, Engr. Obongo Dokubo and the Supervisor Upstream, Engr. Bashir Ahmed.

GCEO, NNPC Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari speaks at the opening ceremony of the 42nd Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition themed: “Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability” in Lagos on Monday.

The Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari has reiterated the company’s commitment to resolving Nigeria’s energy trilemma, by ensuring energy security, sustainable growth and energy affordability.

Kyari disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 42nd Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition themed: “Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability” in Lagos, on Monday.

The GCEO, who was Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, also said the company has perfected plans to deliver 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Stations and Mini LNG Plants soon, as part of efforts to boost the existing 1.6bscf of gas supply for domestic market.

“The energy trilemma is a profound responsibility we shoulder as stewards of Nigeria’s energy future. NNPC Limited is working tirelessly to improve our supply chain, develop new refining capacities and expand our retail network,” Kyari stated.

According to him, NNPC Limited is set to collaborate with private refineries to ensure affordable and sustainable petroleum products supply; Naira-for-crude transactions in order to stabilise the local currency and regulate forex markets.

This, he added, will bring about expansion of gas infrastructure such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipelines projects and the development of cleaner energy options, such as Liquiefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

“Currently, NNPC Ltd supplies over 1.6 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas per day to the domestic market through infrastructure we either own outright or operate with partners. This distribution network is entirely managed on NNPC’s balance sheet,” Kyari added.

Explaining that the Company is expanding its efforts to enhance domestic energy access, the NNPC helmsman said the next 3-6 months will see significant project launches, including CNG mother stations, mini-LNG plants, and additional CNG daughter stations.

Kyari, who commended President Tinubu’s efforts to relieve forex pressures by reducing fuel imports and strengthening Nigeria’s local refining capacity,  emphasised the need for collaboration, innovation, and technology in achieving Nigeria’s energy goals.

“Resolving the energy trilemma requires bold ideas, shared knowledge, and collective determination. Together, let us build a Nigeria where energy is secure, sustainable, and affordable for all.”

On NNPC’s mandate to guarantee energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act, Kyari said the Company has fostered partnerships and investments aimed at enhancing local production and generating revenue for economic diversification.

Reacting to claims that NNPC is sabotaging the efforts of domestic refineries, Kyari said the NNPC Limited is part-owners of the Dangote Refinery, stressed further that such investment is a strategic move aimed at strengthening domestic fuel supply.

NLNG’s representative, Titi Horsfall (2nd left) receives the FIRS’ most compliant taxpayer award conferred on NLNG from Dr. Lovette Ononuga and Mr. Olurotimi I. Akingbade, Director, Lagos Mainland East, State Co-ordinator in Lagos. With them are representatives from NLNG and FIRS.

NLNG has received the prestigious award of Most Compliant Taxpayer by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the 2024 FIRS Day, which took place during the Lagos International Trade Fair.

This recognition is part of the FIRS Compliant Taxpayer Award and Recognition Programme, designed to acknowledge companies that consistently meet their tax obligations, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s economy.

This award marks a significant achievement for NLNG, following the Company’s receipt of the FIRS Most Supportive Taxpayer Award in 2021. The 2021 recognition was conveyed by FIRS, commending the top-performing taxpayers for their compliance, which helped the service surpass its tax collection target.

In a statement, the FIRS commended NLNG for its consistent and exemplary adherence to tax laws, emphasising the Company’s contributions to national development. The service highlighted NLNG’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its tax responsibilities, recognising the Company’s exceptional compliance with tax regulations and its role in the broader economic growth of the country.

The award was received by Titi Horsfall, Head of Editorial and Digital Content, on behalf of the Company.

Speaking on the announcement, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, noted that the recognition coincides with a milestone for NLNG, marking its 35th anniversary of incorporation and the 25th anniversary of successful LNG production in Nigeria. He reaffirmed that this award is a testament to NLNG’s long-standing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, particularly in the energy sector.

“We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service. It reflects the dedication of our Board, management, and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that NLNG remains a responsible corporate entity. This award also reinforces our ongoing commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy.”

He further emphasised that NLNG’s commitment to compliance is integral to the Company’s mission to be a global leader in energy, driving not only Nigeria’s energy sector forward but also contributing to the improvement of lives through responsible business practices.

Nigeria’s foremost indigenous Renewable Energy Company, decorated by industry partners as the most Outstanding Energy Provider, Cloud Energy Solar, living true to its appellations, is focusing its renewable energy competencies beyond the home and office.

Cloud Energy has increased its impact in street lighting with the design and production of the 200 Watts Street lighting bulb. The 200 Watts bulb consolidates the reputation of brightness and long lasting for the Cloud Energy range of energy saving bulbs, in the homes and offices.

Spurred by the abundance of the sun, the Cloud Energy Solar Company seems challenged to never let the sun set.

The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, launching the 200 Watts bulb observed that the times are dangerous in terms of security. Therefore, the brilliance of the street lighting will eliminate all lurking shadows from the streets and security posts.

It is an answer to a call to duty for all patriots to deploy their competencies to enhance national security. The renewable energy boss said that citizens must be prepared to make sacrifice to give Nigeria its deserved place as the giant of Africa. These sacrifices can come from the kind of opportunities that OEMs give to Nigerians.

For example, Cloud Energy, a leading solar practitioner is currently offering rooftop solar panels with a flexible payment plan up to two years or more. Property owners can now design their buildings with solar panels on the roof and keep paying long after they have completed and moved into the houses.

This flexible payment consideration, the Cloud Energy Boss explains, extends to the entire range of Cloud Energy Solar products – Energy storage products, Inverters, Batteries; Lifestyle products, Fridges, Freezers, Fans Television sets, and solar accessories.

These offers are conveyed in a campaign entitled Bridge the Energy Gap, a clear departure from the traditional way of presenting offers in the market. The bridge has been used as a symbol to convey a sense of professional support, assistance, and partnership.

The bridge beyond meaning a make-up for a shortfall also provides a thorough fare to the energy transition, without bottlenecks. It deletes all doubts and gives a sense of certainty for a transition.to Solar. The bridge is the fact that Cloud Energy in partnership with its finance partners offers different kinds of payment plan to ensure a done deal, in electricity, without tears.

Cloud Energy, founded in 2015 has earned respect by installing Solar and Inverter systems for discerning clients, mainly academic, research institutions and multi-nationals across the nation. In less than a decade Cloud Energy has foot prints in the Banking and Finance sector with ATM installations; Homes and Public buildings with Solar Systems; and is a viable partner to governments through the Rural Electrification Project.