The Presidency has announced the take-off of the 550 million US Dollar upstream gas project between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) and TotalEnergies on development of Ubeta field.
Special Adviser (SA) to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen disclosed this at an inaugural US-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue, hosted by the US State Department, in Washington, DC.
Speaking at a luncheon organised as part of the inaugural dialogue, Verheijen said the upstream gas project would deliver 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day when operational.
A statement on the event signed by Morenike Adewunmi, Stakeholder Manager, Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy,
was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Verheijen told the gathering that major energy reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu since June 2023 focused on improving energy security, attracting investments and deepening collaboration with key partners including the the US government.
She said the key reforms had improved the viability of the gas-to-power value chain of the country
The reforms according to her, included initiatives to improve cash flows in electricity distribution through smart metering and the payment of outstanding debts owed investors, and to reduce carbon emissions from gas production.
She added that, to support the reform efforts, the President issued five new executive orders aimed at providing fiscal incentives for investment.and reducing the cost and time of finalising and implementing contracts to develop and expand gas infrastructure.
The presidential aide said the directives also aimed to immediately unlock up to 2.5 billion dollard in new oil and gas investments in the country.
She acknowledged the support of financing and technical partners like the US government, the World Bank and the African Development Bank towards expanding electricity access and reliability through grid and off-grid solutions.
Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen
Verheijen affirmed her optimism about the bright prospects for Nigeria’s energy sector, especially with the renewed focus on gas as a transition fuel in the race to meet the country’s commitments to the Paris climate agreement.
“We see resilient demand for gas through the energy transition as it is a readily available, cost-effective backup to renewables while cutting emissions by half immediately,” she said.
Speaking on the Dialogue, Verheijen recalled it was established in June 2023 to create a platform for the US and Nigerian governments and private sector to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance the implementation of shared energy and climate action ambitions.
“Nigeria seeks to create a robust regulatory framework and attract new investments for the production of gas for power, transportation and clean cooking.
“I cannot overstate the importance of our longstanding relationship with the US and this inaugural dialogue.
“The goal of this dialogue for us to jointly proffer solutions that will close the energy access gap for close to 100 million Nigerians who still lack reliable power.
“We want existing and potential partners to better understand our areas of priority so that our collaboration can be better targeted, and with tangible outcomes,” she said..
On his part, Geoffrey Pyatt, US Assistant Secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources said the dialogue was apt and strategic.
“The inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue has set the stage for strengthened energy collaboration between the United States and Nigeria.
“Together, we’re advancing shared energy security, decarbonization, and economic growth goals,” he said.
The Dialogue saw the launch of a new Nigeria-focused initiative, the Clean Energy Alliance of Nigeria (CLEAN), by the U.S. State Department, to mobilise stakeholders to support and promote investment in clean energy in Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation to the event was led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Officials from the Ministry of Power, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NNPC Limited, were also in attendance.
The US delegation included representatives from the Bureau of African Affairs, USAID, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the Export-Import Bank
NAN recalls that the signing ceremony of the 550 million USD Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project took place in Abuja in June
The Ubeta field, discovered in 1964 is located Northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers state. (NAN
I’AM ROOTED IN HUMANITY AND DRIVEN BY IMPACTIVE SERVICE:
With nearly 30 years of exemplary military service behind me, my approach to leadership has always been anchored in humility and a profound respect for every individual. These principles are not mere concepts; they are deeply embedded values that influence every decision and action I take.
I firmly believe that true love and genuine selfless service can only originate from God. It is His presence within our hearts, minds, and strength that empowers us to extend sincere care and support to one another. My faith has been the guiding force, shaping my view that life’s true rewards come not from accolades, but from lifting others in their time of need.
Witnessing suffering – whether through poverty, disease, or adversity – stirs a deep compassion within me. I remain steadfast in my hope that one day, the essential needs of every community will be fully met. This vision continues to inspire my goals and fuels my enduring commitment to service.
MY LIFE BUILT ON PURPOSE AND INTERGRITY:
Integrity stands at the core of everything I do. I believe in living authentically, staying true to the person I am, while always striving to evolve into the person I am destined to become. God has blessed each of us with the gift of free will, and with it, the profound responsibility to use that freedom wisely.
Every goal I set is purposeful, pursued with enthusiasm, and carried out with unwavering dedication. Regardless of the final result, I find contentment in knowing that I have given my best, embracing each outcome with gratitude and humility.
Purpose, for me, is not a mere ambition; it is the reason for living. It is about making a tangible impact, however big or small, and knowing that one’s life has contributed meaningfully to the world.
FULFILLING MY CALLING OF SERVICE:
The most profound mission in life, I believe, is to answer the call for which we were created. Whether on the battlefield, within the community, or through personal growth, I have always sought to serve a purpose greater than myself.
Every act of service, no matter how modest, contributes to a larger tapestry of positive change. I am committed to ensuring that my time, my talents, and my energy are dedicated to making a difference leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and hope.
To me, success is not measured by personal achievements alone but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire. If through my service I can make even the smallest difference, then I believe I have truly fulfilled my purpose.
WE MUST UNITE IN PROGRESS AND HOPE:
I firmly hold to the belief that unity is our greatest strength. “United we stand, divided we fall” is more than just a phrase; it is a timeless truth that reminds us of the power of collective effort. By standing together, supporting one another, and striving for common goals, we create a future rich with promise and opportunity.
Growth and progress are not achieved in isolation. They flourish when communities come together, bound by mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to a better tomorrow. It is through unity that we overcome adversity, and through cooperation that we achieve lasting success.
The journey ahead may be filled with challenges, but with a spirit of togetherness and an unwavering focus on service and integrity, I am confident that we can continue to grow, prosper, and uplift one another.
I STAND ON LEGACY OF SERVICE AND FAITH:
As I reflect on my life’s journey, I remain deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. Every moment of service, every challenge faced, and every act of compassion has reinforced my belief that a life of humility, purpose, and unwavering faith is a life well lived.
May we all strive to serve with heart, live with purpose, and unite in a spirit of hope and progress. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
United We Stand – Divided We Fall. Together, We Grow and Progress!
Kaduna State Government will convene an Education Summit as part of its strategy to bring about transformative change in the education sector, which will be anchored on four strategic pillars.
The Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, who disclosed this while inaugurating the steering committee, further said that the event will be titled KADA EDUPACT International Summit 2025″.
According to him, one of the pillars is the Policy/Governance/Innovative Education Financing Pillar.
The Commissioner also listed the Access and Retention, Credible Learning Outcomes From Quality Inputs Pillars, as well as the Technology and Innovation pillars.
Prof Bello argued that the main objective of the summit is “to forge an Educational Pact between the government and the people, establishing commitment to shared model for education delivery, measurable outcomes and clearly defined negotiables.”
He further said that experts will make motivating presentations, adding that the Summit will provide opportunity for robust discussions on local and international investments in education, policy-making as well as technological innovations for improved teaching and learning.
The Commissioner also assured that a comprehensive education development roadmap for Kaduna State would fashioned out during the summit.
He said that the Director General of Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, will coordinate the activities of the steering committee, whose membership cuts across relevant Ministries Department and Agencies.
Sub-committees to handle various aspects of the summit were announced immediately after the steering committee was inaugurated.
The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a human trafficking ring in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In a major operation, the police rescued 83 individuals and a child from a house in the Orogun area of the city, where they had allegedly been held for an undisclosed period.
Preliminary reports suggest that the victims, believed to be nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were lured to Nigeria under the pretence of being offered employment opportunities.
There are also claims that the perpetrators extorted significant sums of money, reportedly in dollars, from the victims’ parents and relatives as part of the elaborate scheme.
The rescued individuals are currently at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where authorities are conducting further investigations to ascertain the full details of the case.
