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Petroleum engineers unveil speakers for NAICE 2024

Michael Simire
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Petroleum engineers unveil speakers for NAICE 2024

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council has confirmed speakers for the 47th edition of the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) 2024. The event will take place from August 5 to August 7, 2024, at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, under the theme “Petroleum Industry Value Chain Optimisation: The Inevitability of Midstream and Downstream Development.”

Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola
Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola

His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta and a past Chairman of the SPE Nigerian Council, will honour the event as the Special Guest of Honour.

The confirmed line-up of distinguished speakers includes: Terry Palisch, 2024 SPE International President; Herbert Krapa, Minister of Energy, Ghana; Farouk Ahmed, Authority CEO, NMDPRA; Roger Brown, MD/CEO, Seplat Energies; Elohor Aiboni, MD, SNEPCO; Gbite Falade, MD/CEO, Aradel Holdings; Sanjeev Verma, Vice President, Halliburton; Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Managing Director, Falcon Corporation; and Debo Fagbami, MD, NEDOGAS, amongst others.

“Our line-up of speakers for NAICE 2024 truly reflects the pinnacle of expertise and innovation in the petroleum industry. These esteemed leaders and visionaries are set to inspire and challenge us, ensuring that our discussions drive real value chain optimisation and transformative progress across the midstream and downstream sectors. Their participation underscores the event’s reputation as a hub of ground-breaking ideas and collaborative solutions,” said Salahudeen Tahir, Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council.

This year’s NAICE will also feature two pivotal panel sessions. These sessions will explore “Unlocking Upstream Value: Developing Markets, Trade Access, and Facilitating Partnerships in the Midstream and Downstream” and “Energy Security: Exploring the Interplay Between Technology, Market Dynamics, and Organisational Capabilities.” Additionally, the Topical Issues Workshop will address “The Outlook of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, Post IOC Divestments and Exits: Challenges and Opportunities,” examining the sector’s future landscape.

“This year’s conference will focus on current market trends and economic forecasts while highlighting the crucial roles of inclusivity and leadership development in our industry,” Tahir said.

Other highlights of NAICE 2024 include the Young Professionals’ Workshop, The Women Leadership Programme, the Oil Industry Night & Awards Dinner, Family Recreation Activities, and Exhibition.

NAICE 2024 will feature the Young Professionals’ Workshop, focusing on “Market Trends and Economic Outlook in the Downstream and Midstream Sector,” to provide emerging professionals with crucial insights and skills. The Women Leadership Programme will address “Equality by Design,” promoting gender inclusivity through discussions led by influential female leaders.

The Oil Industry Night & Awards Dinner will celebrate excellence and innovation, presenting awards to outstanding professionals and organisations. According to the promoters, attendees can explore cutting-edge technologies at the exhibition, while family programmes offer entertainment, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all.

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council is a premier professional association dedicated to advancing energy resource development and production. SPE supports its members through publications, events, training courses, and online resources, fostering excellence and innovation in the industry.

Scientists predict it will be impossible to live in some countries in future due to heat

Michael Simire
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Scientists predict it will be impossible to live in some countries in future due to heat

Scientists from Purdue University (US) have found that, in a few years, West Africa, South Asia and the Midwest in the US will become dangerous for human life due to climate change.

Heat
Heat stress

West Africa and parts of South Asia are among the most vulnerable, according to the research – regions which have very dense populations and often little access to air conditioning.

Richer countries will fare better but will not escape unscathed. Hotspots of extreme humid heat will emerge in parts of the US, including the Midwest, as global warming ticks up, the study found.

Today’s searing-hot summers will likely seem cool by future standards, and the heat we experience is changing in ways that are not in our favour.

Extreme, humid heat is persisting at nighttime, depriving the body of vital time to recuperate.

And we can expect more back-to-back heat waves, slamming regions with successive cycles of brutal heat, said Jane Baldwin, assistant professor of Earth system science at the University of California Irvine.

Heat already kills an estimated 489,000 people each year, according to the World Health Organisation, but the real toll could be higher because heat-related deaths are so hard to track.

Deaths may be attributed to heart attacks or strokes, with no reference to the fact they happened during a scorching heat wave.

“We’re absolutely undercounting in a serious way,” said Bharat Venkat, director of the UCLA Heat Lab.

Every week of summer brings more stories of people like the ultra-marathon runner Philip Kreycik, whose tragic, early deaths are entirely preventable.

Heat lacks the blunt force of a hurricane, the scorched earth of a wildfire or the sweeping devastation of a flood – all of which leave a visible and immediate trail of devastation, destroying homes, tearing up roads and flattening towns.

Instead, heat is a creeping threat, a steady hum in the background. Its worst damage is not to property but to our bodies, Venkat said. And it is an “invisible, silent killer.”

COP29: 2024 an important stage in global climate change fight – Mexican newspaper

Michael Simire
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COP29: 2024 an important stage in global climate change fight – Mexican newspaper

A well-known Mexican newspaper Milenio has published an article about the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan.

Baku
Baku in Azerbaijan hosts COP29 in November 2024

According to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Mexico, the author said this year marks an important stage in the global fight against climate change, emphasising that Azerbaijan, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and transition to a low-carbon economy.

According to the author, it is gratifying to see how in today’s volatile and turbulent world, Azerbaijan, famous for its inclusiveness and multiculturalism, which chaired the Non-Aligned Movement and is active in many issues on the international arena, is taking a step forward in addressing such an existential problem as climate change and receives great support from the international community.

Speaking about Azerbaijan’s leadership in this context, despite the oil industry, the author stated that the serious approach of such countries to the problem of climate change gives hope. The author noted that Azerbaijan has made significant progress in the field of sustainability, invests in renewable energy sources, in particular solar and wind energy, and makes appropriate decisions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, becoming a regional leader in clean energy thanks to its strategic location and important natural resources.

The author recalled that the wind energy potential of the Caspian Sea is about 157 GW. The article states that Azerbaijan is a country with great potential in terms of renewable energy sources and technical capabilities, where solar (Garadagh, Shafag) and wind (Khizi-Absheron) stations have recently been built, and additional wind and hydroelectric power projects are being implemented.

The article emphasised that these initiatives reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to expand renewable electricity generation capacity as part of a strategy to achieve a 30 percent renewable energy share in electricity production by 2030.

Regarding Mexico’s position on climate change, the author noted that, under the leadership of the newly elected president of the country, active environmental advocate Claudia Sheinbaum, the country attaches great importance to its climate change commitments. The author stated that Mexico, as an important actor on the international arena and a member of the G20, given its good bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, can demonstrate its commitment and active participation in this important issue, and that both countries face similar challenges in adapting to climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The author also emphasised the importance of developed countries’ financial assistance to developing countries to implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Recalling that Mexico is largely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the author spoke about the possibility for the country and other developing states to benefit from climate financing that will be discussed at COP29.

“This funding is crucial for green infrastructure projects, renewable energy sources and climate resilience programmes. The COP29 agenda will include discussions on climate finance mechanisms, implementation of the Paris Agreement and international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is expected to address topics such as climate justice, resilience of vulnerable communities and technological innovations to combat climate change,” the article says.

In conclusion, regarding Mexican-Azerbaijani ties, the author notes that relations between the two countries are strengthening, and the two countries share common interests in areas such as education, culture and especially environmental protection. The author emphasises that cooperation on sustainable development projects can benefit both countries in terms of knowledge exchange and green technologies.

“COP29, which will be held in Azerbaijan, is a unique opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitment to the climate agenda and cooperation in innovative solutions. This conference will be an important platform for Mexico under the leadership of Sheinbaum to once again reaffirm its commitment to environmental issues and explore new opportunities for international cooperation,” the article notes.

Case for separate Nicotine Policy: Differentiating Nicotine and Tobacco Regulation

Michael Simire
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Case for separate Nicotine Policy: Differentiating Nicotine and Tobacco Regulation

As the landscape of nicotine and tobacco products evolves, traditional tobacco control policies are increasingly challenged by the emergence of new products, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn devices. These products, while still delivering nicotine, often present different health risks compared to conventional tobacco products. This has led to calls for separate policies addressing nicotine and tobacco, recognising their distinct characteristics and potential impacts on public health.

Nicotine and Tobacco
Nicotine and Tobacco

Nicotine, while addictive, is not the primary cause of tobacco-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. These health issues are largely linked to the combustion process in smoking, which releases harmful toxins. Therefore, products that deliver nicotine without combustion, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, are generally considered to pose a lower risk than traditional cigarettes.

This distinction suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to regulation may not be appropriate. Separate policies for nicotine and tobacco could allow for more nuanced regulation, taking into account the specific risks and benefits of different products.

Why Separate Nicotine Policy is Necessary

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) recommends stringent tobacco control measures, such as high taxes and advertising bans. However, these measures may not be entirely practical for African smokers, particularly given the rise of emerging nicotine products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Many African countries lack comprehensive cessation support and resources, making it challenging for smokers to quit. Additionally, overly restrictive regulations on reduced-risk nicotine products could limit access to potentially less harmful alternatives, which are crucial for harm reduction in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Differentiating between nicotine and tobacco products can enable risk-proportionate regulation. For instance, less harmful nicotine products might be regulated to minimize youth access and prevent non-smokers from initiating use, while still allowing adult smokers access as a harm reduction tool. In contrast, more stringent regulations might be applied to combustible tobacco products due to their higher risk profile.

A separate nicotine policy could support public health goals by promoting safer alternatives for current smokers. By providing a clear regulatory pathway for reduced-risk nicotine products, governments can encourage smokers to switch from combustible tobacco to less harmful options. This approach is aligned with harm reduction principles, which aim to reduce the negative health impacts of harmful behaviors without necessarily requiring total abstinence.

The nicotine market is rapidly innovating, with new products emerging that offer varying levels of harm reduction potential. A dedicated nicotine policy can facilitate the responsible introduction and oversight of these products, ensuring they meet safety standards while allowing for consumer choice. It can also provide a framework for research and public education on the relative risks of different nicotine products.

Clear distinctions in policy can help improve public understanding of the risks associated with different products. Misinformation about nicotine and its health impacts can lead to misconceptions that all nicotine products are equally harmful. By separating policies, governments can more effectively communicate accurate information, helping consumers make informed decisions.

The evolving nature of nicotine and tobacco products necessitates a rethinking of traditional tobacco control frameworks. By implementing a separate nicotine policy, governments can better address these products’ distinct risks and benefits, promoting public health through harm reduction and informed consumer choice. This approach reflects the scientific understanding of nicotine and tobacco risks and aligns with the principles of modern public health policy.

By Joseph Magero, Chair, Campaign for Safer Alternatives

Lunar soil sample from China’s Chang’e-5 mission under spotlight

Michael Simire
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Lunar soil sample from China’s Chang’e-5 mission under spotlight

A rare opportunity to see soil from the moon in person captivated crowds as the lunar sample from China’s Chang’e-5 mission was under the spotlight in Bangkok.

China’s Chang’e-5 mission
China’s Chang’e-5 mission

The lunar sample was featured as one of highlights at Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair that concluded on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

This is due to under collaboration between the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Enclosed in a rotating crystal sphere, the 75-milligram sample named “The Moon Shines Bright on Me’’ invited visitors on a microscopic journey to the moon’s surface and they marvelled at the extraterrestrial material up close.

Experiencing the mysterious substance for the first time, elementary school student Tannya Neesanant was filled with excitement.

“The lunar sample’s unusual colour intrigued my curiosity, as it appeared to be sand rather than soil,’’ the seven-year-old told Xinhua.

The exhibit is a portion of samples that Chang’e-5 lunar probe collected, one of the most complicated and challenging missions in China’s aerospace history.

They are being able to get closer than ever to the moon really inspired people from diverse backgrounds who visited the display, particularly children.

They fuelled their passions for learning and pursuing their goals, said Suppawat Zhou, a staff member at the exhibition.

“It is truly rewarding to see visually impaired and deaf students learning about the exhibits through the interpretation from their teachers, which sparked their keen interest in astronomy, space and technology,’’ he added.

NARIT head Saran Poshyachinda said the exhibition also showcased advanced technologies Thailand had developed for astronomical research, such as an instrument designed to observe cosmic radiation and space weather.

Space weather from lunar perspective that would aboard China’s Chang’e-7 moon exploration mission as designed.

In April, China and Thailand signed two memorandums of understanding to cooperate on exploration and peaceful use of outer space as well as on an international lunar research station.

“We are looking forward to receiving lunar samples from the CNSA for our laboratory test.

“We can develop suitable instruments for future exploration on the moon’s surface.

“Collaboration with China is very crucial for developing our own capabilities and helping us to be in line with global leaders,’’ he said.

Flooding displaces large number of people in southern Myanmar

Michael Simire
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Flooding displaces large number of people in southern Myanmar

Widespread flooding has hit southern regions and states in Myanmar, displacing tens of thousands of people and submerging infrastructure facilities.

Myanmar Flooding
Flooding in Myanmar. Photo credit: AP Photo/Thein Zaw

The water levels of rivers in 13 towns across the four regions and states of Ayeyarwady, Bago, Mon, and Kayin in southern Myanmar have already surpassed their warning marks on Monday, July 29, 2024.

The report is according to the national weather agency reported as reported on Monday.

In Bago township of Bago region, a total of 18,210 people from 4,793 households had been evacuated due to flooding caused by continuous heavy rains in recent days.

The official daily The Mirror reported.

In Myawaddy township of Kayin state, 4,985 people from 370 households were taking shelter in 11 relief centres in the township due to the rise of Thaungyin River caused by incessant rains.

Railway tracks and highways in Ayeyarwady region and Mon state have been submerged, posing risks to travellers, while schools have been closed due to the floods.

In addition to the four regions and states in the Southeast Asian country, Taninthayi town in Taninthayi region experienced flooding on Sunday as a result of rising water levels of Taninthayi River.

It is caused by torrential rains, according to the report.

Local authorities, fire service personnel, and rescuers in the affected areas have been working together to evacuate residents and provide them with essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and shelter.

Govt orders crude oil sale to Dangote Refinery, others in Naira

Michael Simire
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Govt orders crude oil sale to Dangote Refinery, others in Naira

The Federal Government has ordered NNPC Limited (NNPCL) to sell crude oil to Dangote and other local refineries in naira.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

Mr Zacch Adedeji, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, July 29, 2024.

He said NEC approved that sale of petroleum products to approved local petroleum marketing companies be conducted in naira at the same fixed exchange rate.

The proposal also includes a settlement bank (Afreximbank) facilitating both trades by providing guarantees to NNPCL to cover the payment risk of local refineries and to Nigerian commercial banks for the payment risk of petroleum marketing companies.

“This approach will eliminate the need for international letters of credit, saving Nigeria substantial amounts of dollars,” he said.

Adedeji said the refinery sector was approaching a steady state of operations and required approximately 15 crude cargoes per month, translating to an annual supply cost of $13.5 billion.

“NNPC Limited (NNPCL) has committed to supplying four crude oil cargoes monthly, leaving the remainder to be sourced from international traders.

“Currently, these transactions are conducted in dollars, significantly straining Nigeria’s foreign currency liquidity,” he said.

He explained that strategic intervention was required to leverage the Dangote Refinery to stabilise the naira and restore price stability.

“To manage the significant foreign exchange (FX) needs for local refineries and petroleum marketers, it is proposed that local refineries’ crude oil purchases from NNPCL be denominated in naira at a fixed exchange rate for a minimum period of six months,” Adedji said.

According to him, the benefits of the proposal include reduction in foreign exchange pressure, as the previous scenario utilised $660 million per month, totaling $7.92 billion annually.

“With the proposed scenario, expenditures are projected to decrease to $50 million per month, equating to $600 million annually.

“This reduction will significantly alleviate the pressure on foreign exchange reserves, leading to an annual savings of $7.32 billion representing 94 per cent,” he said.

Adedeji said there would be reduced trade finance costs with annual savings of $79 million in Letters of Credit costs through Afreximbank’s payment undertakings for bilateral trades.

“The benefits include stabilised petroleum product prices as the forward-selling of crude oil and refined products at a fixed exchange rate unaffected by exchange rate fluctuations will stabilise pump prices.

“Stabilising petroleum prices will likely drive the appreciation of the NGN, as petroleum imports account for 30 per cent of Nigeria’s FX demand.

“Stable petroleum prices will lower transportation costs, reducing food price inflation and positively impacting interest rates and dollar/naira exchange rates,” he said.

According to Adedji, this strategy will eliminate government control and drive independence of the market as it aims to eliminate government intervention in the management of domestic petroleum prices.

He said it would further facilitate competitiveness and allow greater market predictability and stability.

“This model, subject to the settlement bank’s (e.g., Afreximbank) credit approvals, can be replicated for other refineries, facilitating the trade of 445,000 barrels reserved for domestic consumption and achieving energy security.

“This further ensures that strategic reserves are pegged at tolerable prices driving improved economic stability,” Adedeji said.

By Salif Atojoko

Addressing methane emission crucial in mitigating climate change, says group

Michael Simire
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0
Addressing methane emission crucial in mitigating climate change, says group

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has said that, to mitigate climate change, there is the need to address methane emission.

Methane emission
Methane emission

Executive Director of the centre, Faith Nwadishi, made this known at a stakeholders and media roundtable on “Nigeria’s National Gas Plans for Non-Power Uses”.

The roundtable was organised by CTA in partnership with Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI).

She said that Methane was responsible for about 25 per cent of the human-caused global warming experienced today.

“It is over 80 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

“Therefore, addressing methane emissions is crucial in mitigating climate change and its impacts.”

Nwadishi said that reducing methane emission had multiple benefits including reducing a potent greenhouse gas, while adding that capturing and utilising methane could generate additional revenue streams.

She said that gas played a critical role in Nigeria’s energy strategy, especially in non-power sectors such as heating, cooking, industrial processes and as petrochemical feedstock.

“Nigeria’s ambitious climate targets aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, and gas is considered a critical transition fuel in this endeavour.

“However, the viability and sustainability of using gas in non-power applications remain areas of significant concern and interest.”

Nwadishi added that it was essential to critically examine the technical and commercial viability, risks and emissions implications particularly methane emissions associated with these plans.

Programme Officer NRGI, Mr Ahmad Abdulsamad, said that there was the need to use gas to unlock the transport sector.

He said that the institute was trying to collectively highlight and mainstream issues ranging from risk of over investing in gas exploration, to see the way forward for Nigeria.

Dr Evans Okoro, Assistant Director, Development and Production at Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also made a remark at the event.

He said: “Every country is setting up plans for energy transition. Nigeria has a plan for that too. There is a lot of gas in the country.

“We have a reserve of over 209 trillion cubic feet of gas. Some of those gasses are used for power and non-power sources.”

He said that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) encouraged the utilisation of domestic gas.

By Naomi Sharang

NAF airstrikes destroy 12 illegal refining sites in Abia, Rivers

Michael Simire
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0
NAF airstrikes destroy 12 illegal refining sites in Abia, Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs in airstrikes in Abia and Rivers states.

Niger Delta refinery
Illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Abuja, said the NAF had intensified efforts to minimise the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta.

He said that the armed reconnaissance undertaken by the aircraft revealed several illegal refining sites located in many fenced households at Umueze in Abia.

He said the information was subsequently relayed to ground troops for further exploitation and necessary action.

According to him, the illegal refining sites, which were subsequently destroyed, were observed hidden under thick vegetations around Owaza.

“Thereafter, the crew followed the river line down to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where nine illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were discovered and destroyed.

“In total, 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were destroyed.

“The sighting of illegal refining sites in fenced living environments is indicative of the sophistry of the illegal oil refining trade that would require other means beyond air strikes to checkmate,” Gabwet said.

He said that those engaged in these acts, especially in fenced living environments, should be reminded that such illegal activities were dangerous to human lives and health as well as the environment.

“Be that as may, armed reconnaissance missions as well as destruction of illegal refining sites will continue unabated until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

COP29: King Charles III engages COP Presidency Troika

Michael Simire
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0
COP29: King Charles III engages COP Presidency Troika

King Charles III hosted Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology of Azerbaijan and the President-designate of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), at Clarence House, the royal residence in Westminster on Friday, July 27, 2024.

King Charles III
King Charles III with Sultan Al Jaber, the President of COP28 (second left); Mukhtar Babayev, the President-designate of COP29 (left); and Ana Toni, the Brazilian National Secretary for Climate Change (right)

The visit was part of a broader engagement with the COP Presidency Troika, a newly established collaborative body comprising leaders from the current, incoming, and future COP presidencies.

The COP Presidency Troika includes Sultan Al Jaber, the President of COP28; Mukhtar Babayev, the President-designate of COP29; and Ana Toni, the Brazilian National Secretary for Climate Change. This triad of leadership represents a significant step in fostering an unprecedented level of cooperation among COP host states.

The primary goal of the COP Presidency Troika is to ensure continuity and build upon the progress made at previous conferences. Their collaborative efforts aim to maintain momentum in global climate negotiations, strengthen the implementation of agreed measures, and create a cohesive bridge between successive COP meetings to drive forward the international climate agenda.

In November 2024, Azerbaijan will host COP29, a decision finalised during the COP28 plenary meeting in Dubai on December 11, 2023. Baku is anticipated to become a major global hub for climate discussions, with preparations to accommodate approximately 70,000 to 80,000 international attendees.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, aimed at addressing human impacts on the climate system. The Conference of the Parties (COP), which consists of 198 member countries, acts as the highest decision-making body for overseeing the implementation of the UNFCCC.

COP meetings are held annually unless otherwise agreed, with the first conference taking place in March 1995 in Berlin. The UNFCCC secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany.

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