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BATN Foundation’s Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP) inspires new generation of agricultural leaders

Michael Simire
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BATN Foundation’s Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP) inspires new generation of agricultural leaders

General Manager of British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation), Oludare Odusanya, has emphasised the organisation’s dedication to empowering young Nigerians through its flagship Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP), a programme designed to inspire a new generation of agricultural leaders.

BATN Foundation
Past beneficiaries of GAP initiatives by BATN Foundation

Speaking about the vision behind the programme, Odusanya, who called for applications for this year’s edition of GAP, running from February 17 to March 3, 2025, said: “Since its inception, GAP has empowered over 20 young agripreneurs by providing grants, mentorship, and technical expertise to transform their agricultural ventures. This year, the programme is expanding its reach, with six beneficiaries to be selected from each participating university – Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – ensuring broader impact across institutions. The journey of past beneficiaries paints a vivid picture of how the GAP programme is shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

“At BATN Foundation, we understand that agriculture holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity for our nation. GAP is our way of investing in the future by equipping young graduates with the tools, resources, and skills to excel in agribusiness. These agripreneurs are not only creating jobs for themselves but are also contributing significantly to food security and economic development,” he said.

Richard Olayemi Balogun, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, is an example of how the initiative can transform lives. Balogun, who ventured into broiler production, recalls how the programme provided him with the foundation to scale his business.

“Before GAP, I had the passion but lacked the resources and technical knowledge to take my business to the next level. The grant I received, coupled with the mentorship and training, gave me the confidence to grow my enterprise. Today, I have a thriving business that not only supports me financially but also creates jobs for others in my community,” Richard shared.

Another success story is that of Aderanti Oni, a graduate from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who built a sustainable poultry farming business. Oni credits GAP with giving her the tools to overcome challenges and achieve her dream of becoming a successful agripreneur. 

“The GAP programme taught me resilience and provided me with the resources to succeed. It wasn’t just about the grant; the mentorship helped me navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector,” she said.

Their stories are just a glimpse of the transformational impact that GAP has had on many other participants, further underscoring the value of investing in young talents to drive agricultural development. The Graduate Agripreneurship Programme is not merely a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive platform designed to address critical challenges such as youth unemployment and food security. Selected participants for the 2025 edition will receive a combined grant of ₦27 million ($18,000), access to land resources, capacity-building training, and mentorship.

BATN Foundation General Manager opined: “This year, GAP will once again be implemented in partnership with three leading universities: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). These institutions provide the framework to ensure the successful delivery of the programme, offering graduates the platform to turn their ideas into thriving ventures.

“With applications set to open on February 17, 2025, BATNF encourages young graduates from the three participating universities to seize this life-changing opportunity. Interested candidates can visit the websites of FUNAAB, UI, or UNILORIN for detailed guidelines and application links. The deadline for submission is March 3, 2025, and successful applicants will join an elite group of agripreneurs poised to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. 

“GAP has already transformed the lives of young agripreneurs like Richard Olayemi Balogun (UI), Aderanti Oni (FUNAAB), and Olajide Oluwayomi (UNILORIN), equipping them with the resources and knowledge to scale their businesses,” he stressed.

BATNF says it remains committed to fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders as the programme grows. Graduates and alumni of agricultural disciplines from these institutions are encouraged to apply and seize the opportunity to receive grants, access land resources, and benefit from expert mentorship that will set them on the path to success in agribusiness.

“The BATN Foundation remains committed to its mission of promoting sustainable agriculture, driving youth empowerment, and ensuring food security. Through the Graduate Agripreneurship Programme, BATNF continues to inspire, empower, and equip the next generation of leaders to take Nigeria’s agricultural sector to greater heights,” submitted the group.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Tinubu pledges stronger commitment to environmental protection

Michael Simire
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Tinubu pledges stronger commitment to environmental protection

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to redouble his commitment to safeguarding the environment and championing policies that will ensure the health and well-being of the populace.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

Tinubu made the commitment at the maiden edition of the National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA), organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

“Together, we shall continue to push the boundaries of what is possible to improve our environment and public health. We will prioritise the people and the planet.

“The global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and emerging health risks demand urgent and sustained attention. We cannot afford complacency.

“We must embrace innovation, collaboration and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard our environment and public health for future generations. The road ahead demands boldness.”

Tinubu noted that the government alone cannot address environmental challenges.

He stressed that it is a collective responsibility, ranging from farmers adopting climate-smart techniques to corporations investing in green technology.

According to him, environmental stewardship is not a burden but an opportunity to redefine progress.

“Let us remain steadfast in pursuing a healthier and more sustainable Nigeria.

“I charge you all to be the generation that bridges the gap between promise and action. Let us leave behind a Nigeria where forests breathe, rivers run clean, and children thrive under skies untainted by pollution.”

Tinubu stated that the award ceremony was not just a recognition of individual excellence but a testament to “our collective resolve to forge a Nigeria where clean air, safe water and sustainable practices are the birthright of every citizen”.

He commended EHCON for its unwavering dedication to improving the nation’s environmental health standards and practices.

“Your leadership in elevating environmental health standards, from policy innovation to community action, sets a laudable example for the nation.”

Describing environmental health professionals as the unsung architects of public health, he added that they are “the silent sentinels shielding the nation’s communities from preventable diseases, climate threats, and ecological decay.

“Your work is the bedrock for building a healthier Nigeria.

“Today is significant as a celebration of individual achievements and a testament to the collective strides we have made as a nation in strengthening environmental health governance.”

Tinubu described the award as a dual calling, compelling him to redouble his commitment to championing policies and prioritising people and the planet.

“We must embrace innovation, collaboration and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard our environment and public health for future generations. The road ahead demands boldness.”

Dr Yakubu Baba, EHCON Registrar, said the award recognises individuals and organisations, both in the public and private sectors who have distinguished themselves in the delivery and support of environmental health services and practices in Nigeria.

The president was awarded the title of Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and “Life Fellow” of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON).

The event also featured the unveiling of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025 and the inauguration of the Premises-Based National Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Emission Monitoring Programme.

By Felicia Imohimi

Oil spill: House Committee on Environment summons NNPC

Michael Simire
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Oil spill: House Committee on Environment summons NNPC

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has invited the NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd to appear before it on March 4, 2025.

Mele Kyari
GCEO, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari

Rep. Julius Pondi, Chairman of the Committee, who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, February 18, said the invite followed the inability of NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd to appear on Tuesday.

The committee had received a petition from relevant stakeholders on the environmental degradation and pollution of Buguma and Degema areas of Rivers by oil drilling activities.

The committee received formal complaint against NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd, on the fire and oil spill incident in Buguma, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The committee had also invited relevant stakeholders and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to deliberate on the complaints by Bukuma community in Rivers.

The community had alleged the refusal of NNPC to implement a 2021 court judgement on grouping of the oil communities into clusters for development purposes.

In 2023, the non-operating Joint Venture (JV) partners of OML 18 appointed NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited as operator of OML 18 to replace Eroton Exploration and Production Limited (Eroton). 

By Ikenna Osuoha

Forbes: Aliko Dangote’s wealth surges by almost 100% to $23.9bn, now 86th richest in the world

Michael Simire
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Forbes: Aliko Dangote’s wealth surges by almost 100% to $23.9bn, now 86th richest in the world

Billionaire Aliko Dangote has seen his wealth nearly double to $23.9 billion, according to Forbes, which ranks the Nigerian entrepreneur as the wealthiest person in Africa and 86th in the world.

Aliko-Dangote
Aliko-Dangote

It will be recalled that Forbes ranked Aliko Dangote as the 144th richest person in the world in 2024 with $13.4 billion.

Forbes estimates Dangote’s net worth at $23.9 billion, primarily due to his 92.3 percent stake in Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals. At 67 years old, Dangote is once again one of the top 100 richest individuals worldwide, a position he has not held since 2018, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.

This places him significantly ahead of South African Johann Rupert, who is ranked 161st in the world with an estimated wealth of $14.4 billion and very far above Mike Adenuga, who is the second richest in Nigeria and 481, in the world, with a net worth of $6.8 billion.

Dangote disrupted the government’s oil monopoly by constructing the largest petroleum refinery in Africa. After 11 years, a $23 billion investment, and numerous challenges, the Dangote Refinery began operations last year.

Dangote Refinery gate
Dangote Refinery gate

Located on a vast 6,200-acre site in the Lekki Free Zone, the refinery, at full capacity, will process a remarkable 650,000 barrels per day (b/d), making it the seventh-largest refinery in the world and the largest in Africa. Additionally, the refinery’s adjacent petrochemical complex has an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tons of urea, making it Africa’s largest fertiliser producer.

The Dangote Refinery is already having a significant impact on global energy markets. Imports of petroleum into Nigeria are said to be on track to reach an eight-year low, affecting European refiners that have traditionally sold to Nigeria, according to energy intelligence firm Vortexa. Furthermore, Nigeria has become a net exporter of jet fuel, naphtha (a solvent used in varnishes, laundry soaps, and cleaning fluids), and fuel oil, according to S&P Global.

Dangote sees the refinery as part of a larger vision to transform Nigeria, one of the world’s largest crude oil producers, into a major producer of refined petroleum products. This would enable Nigeria to compete with European refineries and supply gasoline to Nigerian consumers.

 “I want to provide a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa,” Dangote says in an interview with Forbes. “We have to build our nation by ourselves. We have to build our continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment.”

He believes Africa has long been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa can refine its own crude oil, thereby creating wealth and prosperity for its vast population.”

Dangote said the refinery is the biggest risk of his life and without success, it would have affected him greatly.  

“It was the biggest risk of my life,” says Dangote about his decision to embark on the project. “If this didn’t work, I was dead.”

Zainab Usman, director of the Africa Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, according to Forbes, said Nigerians see Dangote as a hero and a real industrialist transforming the country.

 “He is seen in most parts of Nigeria as a hero. He is seen as a real industrialist who builds things,” she said.

 A professor of African studies at the Soka University of America, Chika Ezeanya, also corroborated this view, noting that Dangote is meeting the needs of consumers on the continent. 

“I think he’s believed staunchly in the fact that Nigerians need products that he has to offer,” he said while adding, “Governments can come and go, policies can be changed, but the needs of the Nigerian consumer will only grow and expand.”

Growth in global electricity demand set to accelerate in coming years as power-hungry sectors expand

Michael Simire
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0
Growth in global electricity demand set to accelerate in coming years as power-hungry sectors expand

Increase in electricity consumption through 2027 expected to average around 4% annually, driven by growing use for industry, air conditioning, electrification and data centres

National grid
National grid lines

The world’s electricity consumption is forecast to rise at its fastest pace in recent years, growing at close to 4% annually through 2027 as power use climbs in a range of sectors across the economy, according to a new IEA report released on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Electricity 2025, the latest edition of the IEA’s main market analysis of the sector, forecasts that the growth in global demand will be the equivalent of adding an amount greater than Japan’s annual electricity consumption every year between now and 2027. The surge is primarily driven by robust growing use of electricity for industrial production, increased demand for air conditioning, accelerating electrification, led by the transport sector, and the rapid expansion of data centres.

Most of the additional demand over the next three years will come from emerging and developing economies, which account for 85% of the demand growth. The trend is most pronounced in China where electricity demand has been growing faster than the overall economy since 2020. China’s electricity consumption rose by 7% in 2024 and is expected to grow by an average of around 6% through 2027.

The demand growth in China has been fuelled in part by the industrial sector, where alongside the traditional energy-intensive sectors, the rapidly expanding electricity-intensive manufacturing of solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles and associated materials played a significant role. Air conditioning, electric vehicle adoption, data centres and 5G networks are additional contributors.

“The acceleration of global electricity demand highlights the significant changes taking place in energy systems around the world and the approach of a new Age of Electricity. But it also presents evolving challenges for governments in ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supply,” said IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security, Keisuke Sadamori.

“While emerging and developing economies are set to drive the large majority of the growth in global electricity demand in the coming years, consumption is also expected to increase in many advanced economies after a period of relative stagnation. Policy makers need to pay close attention to these shifting dynamics, which will be addressed at the international Summit on the Future of Energy Security that the IEA is hosting with the UK government in London in April,” added Sadamori.

In the United States, a strong increase in electricity demand is expected to add the equivalent of California’s current power consumption to the national total over the next three years. Electricity demand growth is forecast to be more modest in the European Union, only rising back to its 2021 levels by 2027, following the major declines in 2022 and 2023 triggered by the energy crisis.

The new report forecasts that growth in low-emissions sources – primarily renewables and nuclear – is sufficient, in aggregate, to cover all the growth in global electricity demand over the next three years. In particular, generation from solar PV is forecast to meet roughly half of global electricity demand growth through 2027, supported by continued cost reductions and policy support. Electricity generation from solar PV surpassed that from coal in the European Union in 2024, with solar’s share of the power mix exceeding 10%.

China, the United States and India are all expected to see solar PV’s share of annual electricity generation reach 10% between now and 2027. At the same time, nuclear power is making a strong comeback, with its electricity generation on course to hit new highs every year from 2025 onward over the forecast period. As a result of these forecast trends, carbon dioxide emissions from global electricity generation are expected to plateau in the coming years after increasing by about 1% in 2024.

The report examines some of the major strains faced by electricity systems in 2024, including winter storms in the United States, hurricanes in the Atlantic, blackouts caused by extreme weather in Brazil and Australia, and droughts reducing hydropower in Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico. These events highlight the importance of ensuring greater resilience of electricity systems, the report notes.

It also looks at the critical role of weather for electricity systems and the rising volatility in wholesale electricity prices in some regions, which indicate a growing need for system flexibility. Incidences of negative wholesale electricity prices have been rising in some power markets, although they are still relatively uncommon globally. These occurrences broadly signal insufficient flexibility in the system due to technical, regulatory or contractual reasons.

World must pull together to build a fairer, more sustainable planet – UNEP’s Annual Report

Michael Simire
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World must pull together to build a fairer, more sustainable planet – UNEP’s Annual Report

The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Annual Report, released on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, calls for a dramatic uptick in ambition and action for the environment. The 2024 Annual Report details the organisation’s efforts over the past year to provide science and solutions to tackle growing environmental challenges, to convene and support multilateral environmental agreements and negotiations, to align funding with global processes, and to support Member States to deliver on commitments.

Inger Andersen
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Inger Andersen. Photo credit: Eric Bridiers

2024 saw a blitz of important environmental negotiations take place, including the sixth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Kenya, the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Colombia, the UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan, the fifth session of negotiations on an international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution in South Korea, and the UN Desertification COP (COP16) in Saudi Arabia. While each of these meetings made significant progress in some areas, some key issues remained unresolved, highlighting the need for nations to work even closer together – and with more determination – to ensure agreement on and implementation of measures that would bring the world closer to a more sustainable and just planet.

Last year, UNEP’s reports provided the latest science on pressing issues of global environmental concern. The annual Emissions Gap Report cautioned that nations must close huge emissions gaps in new climate pledges and deliver immediate action or lose the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. 

UNEP’s 2024 Adaptation Gap Report found that while international public adaptation finance flows to developing countries increased from by $6 billion between 2021 and 2022, a huge gap continues to exist between adaptation finance needs and current international public funding available for adaptation.

In Gaza, a preliminary environmental assessment by UNEP found that the conflict has caused unprecedented levels of pollution, with sewage, debris and toxic munitions contaminating soil, water, and the air. The report notes that environmental degradation risks irreversible damage to Gaza’s natural ecosystems.

UNEP is also providing crucial data to support nations and companies as they act on methane emissions. The Methane Alert and Response System, part of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory – a satellite data and machine-learning system that identifies major methane leaks – has delivered more than 1,000 notifications to governments and companies over the last two years. The alerts led to the plugging of major leaks in Algeria and Nigeria, preventing the release of greenhouse gases equivalent to those that 1 million cars would produce over a year.  

Through 2024, UNEP mobilized significant funding in co-financing from partners, enabling countries to focus on electric mobility, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-emission buildings. These initiatives are expected to benefit more than 17 million people and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 300 million tonnes, the equivalent of taking 65 million cars off the road.

Reflecting on the past year and looking ahead at 2025, UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen, said: “The reality is that environmental multilateralism is sometimes messy and sometimes arduous. But even in complex geopolitical times, collaboration across borders and across our differences is the only option to protect the foundation of humanity’s existence – Planet Earth.” 

“UNEP calls for a dramatic uptick in ambition and action in the coming year. Nations must promise and deliver huge cuts to greenhouse gas emissions in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due in February 2025. They must start delivering the necessary finance for climate adaptation and for desertification and biodiversity action. And they must work towards agreeing on a strong instrument to end plastic pollution before UNEA-7 in December,” she added.

Japan approves new energy plan that prioritises renewables

Michael Simire
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0
Japan approves new energy plan that prioritises renewables

The Japanese Government has approved a new Strategic Energy Plan to make a significant shift in national energy policy by officially designating renewables as the primary energy source.

Shigeru Ishiba
Kapanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said this on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

“Since the previous revision of the Strategic Energy Plan in October 2021, the energy situation surrounding Japan has changed dramatically.

“In light of these changes, METI revised the Strategic Energy Plan in a manner that is consistent with the new target.

“The new target of reducing greenhouse gases by 73 per cent in FY2040 (from the FY2013),’’ the statement read.

The plan would allow Japan to achieve a stable energy supply, grow its economy and decarbonise simultaneously.

Renewables, such as solar and wind power, are projected to account for 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the Asian country’s total energy production by 2040.

Thermal energy is expected to contribute 30 per cent to 40 per cent, while nuclear power will make up around 20 per cent.

The previous energy plan, set for 2030, has projected renewable energy’s share at 36 per cent to 38 per cent.

Govt considering PPP for Abuja Centenary City project – Dangiwa

Michael Simire
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Govt considering PPP for Abuja Centenary City project – Dangiwa

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development says Federal Government in Nigeria is considering Public Private Partnership (PPP) as reliable means to fund the Centenary City Project.

Centenary City Project
Abuja Centenary City

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Malam Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known in a statement signed on his behalf by Salisu Haiba, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Abuja.

Haiba stated that Dangiwa spoke when he received a high-level delegation from the Centenary City Plc, led by its Vice Chairman, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The Minister said the Centenary City Project Plc was a Federal Government Legacy Project to celebrate and mark Nigeria’s centenary in 2014.

He added that it was designed to create a smart city, attract global investment and position Nigeria as a prime destination for business and development.

Dangiwa also said that the concept of the Centenary City Project aligned with the Renewed Hope City agenda, being an inclusive city with various living options and facilities such as sports, medical tourism, among others.

He said: “It is important to engage the Public Private Partnership option in addressing the housing deficit and create jobs for the people.

“This is part of the ministry’s plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda, giving that government alone cannot fund the entire housing deficit currently being faced in the country.

“This government has a priority of ensuring that affordable houses are provided to Nigerians and  creating an enabling environment for PPP to flourish.”

Dangiwa explained that the ministry had received some expression of interest from potential investors and more investors would be invited to explore opportunities at the Centenary City project.

He, therefore, directed the Department of PPP in the ministry to engage the team from the Centenary City PLC for investor partnerships and introduce them to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for partnership.

On his part, Anyim called for the ministry’s collaboration to bring the vision to fruition.

He said that the ministry could partner the Centenary City project by sourcing and facilitating the participation of investors and developers, while securing funding that would enable cooperative societies and individuals to own homes in the city.

Dr Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to its core mandate of ensuring access to affordable housing for all Nigerians.

He assured the delegation that the ministry is dedicated to building, maintaining and managing public housing assets across the country.

By Angela Atabo

BEV: ECA, partners raise awareness among DRC experts, decision-makers to develop inclusive mining value chain

Michael Simire
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0
BEV: ECA, partners raise awareness among DRC experts, decision-makers to develop inclusive mining value chain

As an extension of its support to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the development of a regional battery and electric vehicle value chain, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and its partners are raising awareness among national stakeholders of the BEV project on the negative impacts of mining and industrial activities in the DRC on the one hand and the benefits of green and inclusive industrial policies on the other.

Mining
Mining in Nigeria

In Kolwezi (DRC) from February 18 to 19, 2025, more than 60 experts from the public, private, academia and civil society are discussing inclusive and greening approaches to mining transformation.

The increase in global demand for critical minerals for the green energy transition and the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries is contributing to further pressure on producing countries such as the DRC.

With its large reserves of lithium, copper, manganese, nickel and cobalt, the DRC occupies a strategic position in this energy transition. These metals are essential for the production of green energy and the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles.

For ECA and its partners, it is crucial that the development of the regional BEV value chain integrates greening and inclusiveness from the outset.

Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the ECA’s Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa, explains the meaning of the initiative, saying: “The cross-border special economic zone between the DRC and Zambia will be launched very soon, its pre-feasibility study has been validated. We have the CAEB which is already functional. The Buenassa company is in the process of installing a cobalt and copper refinery. The Kolwezi stage is crucial because it allows the various public, private and social actors to act hand in hand so that present and future generations can make the most of this industrial revolution. No one should be left behind.”

Through various forums, African policymakers have expressed their desire to see this mining boom support the creation of new industries with higher added value and job creation across the continent, thus fueling the economy for the well-being of local communities as enshrined in the African Mining Vision.

Bonga, Ubeta: NCDMB boss insists on patronage of local facilities at Samsung, Africoat

Michael Simire
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0
Bonga, Ubeta: NCDMB boss insists on patronage of local facilities at Samsung, Africoat

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Monday, February 17, 2025, visited the facilities of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), and Africoat Nigeria Limited, a pipe coating plant, located at Takwa Bay, Lagos.

NCDMB
NCDMB visit

The visit is consistent with Ogbe’s determination to assess oil and gas facilities across the country as a prelude for their participation in ongoing and upcoming major oil industry projects.

NCDMB played key roles in accelerating approvals for the new projects, which include Ubeta gas development project, currently being developed by Total Energies, and Bonga North deep water project, for which Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) had announced the final investment decision (FID) in December 2024. Similarly, Zabazaba deep-water project is being readied by ENI and Shell, just as preparations for the HI and HA gas projects are being made by (SNEPCo).

The NCDMB’s boss conveyed the agency’s determination to continue partnering with IOCs to develop new projects, and to ensure they execute key scopes of those projects using local firms with proven capabilities, as mandated by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. He asserted that NCDMB’s mandate and activities are contributing to actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, particularly in catalyzing new oil and gas projects, job creation and economic revitalization.

At the Samsung Heavy Industries, the Managing Director, Mr. Jin Lee highlighted the firm’s in-country capacities, which include heavy fabrication and FPSO integration quayside. He reiterated the company experience in executing major oil and gas projects, notably the fabrication and integration of six modules for the TotalEnergies’ Egina FPSO in 2018.

The Business Development Manager, SHIN, Mr. David Bruce Inglis, said the company trains welders in different specialisation and had trained 560 welders during the execution of the Egina project, including women. He said the facility employed over 1000 persons at the peak of the Egina project, but the capacity was now scaled down to 131, owing to lack of projects. The company he said has the database of past employees and would re-engage some of them if they win a new major project.

He also hinted that the company planned to manufacture oil and gas components and equipment in Nigeria for export to other parts of the world. He confirmed that the SHIN facility had adequate installed capacity and capabilities for export, and Nigeria enjoys a vintage geographical location for such business opportunities.

At Africoat, the NCDMB boss challenged the firm’s management to resolve the protracted dispute they have with their bankers, as well as their landlord, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL), which stopped the plant from operating since its completion in 2017. He suggested that a peaceful settlement would allow for the plant to be rehabilitated, before it can work for the industry, and benefit the investors, and create jobs for the economy.

The Managing Director of Africoat, Mr. Frank Twynam, confirmed that efforts were ongoing to resolve the impasse. He noted that $US42 million was invested to develop the corrosion and concrete weight coating plant, hinting that a robust plan was already in place to restore the facility once the dispute is resolved.

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