National
Federal Government to Expand Emergency Gas Power Plant Initiative Nationwide – Petroleum Minister
The Federal Government is set to replicate the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant across the nation, particularly in the Northern regions, to tackle ongoing challenges related to power supply caused by frequent vandalism of infrastructure and insufficient energy provision.
During a press briefing in Maiduguri following his inspection of the Emergency Power Plant, Hon. Obobgemem Elpo, the State Minister for Petroleum and Gas Resources, stated, “This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to stimulate the economy through gas. The success of this initial project demonstrates its viability, and I am genuinely pleased with the results.”
He further noted that the completion of the Ajaokuta, Kaduna, and Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project will enhance gas supply to Northern states. “The Federal Government is strategically advancing this initiative. The AKK pipeline, which will transport gas to Kano, is nearing completion, and I am confident that the NNPCL will soon establish an LNG gas plant in Kano. This will facilitate the replication of additional gas plants in the North and resolve existing supply challenges.”
Hon. Ekpo highlighted that the AKK project is now 95% complete, with assurances from NNPCL leadership that it will be finalized and commissioned by the first quarter of next year, significantly improving the economic circumstances of local communities.
Reflecting on his visit to the Maiduguri power plant, Hon. Ekpo expressed his admiration for the site. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the Borno State Government for creating a supportive environment that has enabled this project to proceed. Peace has been crucial for this initiative.”
He emphasized the importance of power in driving economic activity, stating, “The completion and commissioning of this plant will directly benefit the people of Borno.” He noted the facility’s current gas storage capacity of two days, with plans to expand it to eight days, marking significant progress under NNPCL’s management.
“We anticipate returning in January to officially commission the combined circuit of this project, including the new storage capabilities,” he added, urging for greater awareness of NNPCL’s efforts and the prevailing peace in Borno State that allows such large-scale projects to flourish.
The Minister called on state governments to consistently allocate land and support federal initiatives, emphasizing that timely project completion is essential for public benefit. He commended both the Borno State government and NNPCL for their collaborative efforts.
At the Government House in Maiduguri, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the support received from Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno. He reiterated that the power plant would significantly improve the state’s and the nation’s power supply.
In response, Governor Babagana Zulum assured the Minister of the Borno State Government’s commitment to supporting federal projects, particularly the power plant initiative. Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, he stated, “We are always ready to back federal programs and projects in the state, as they serve the common good of our people.”
Zulum concluded by thanking President Bola Tinubu, the Minister, and NNPCL for their contributions to the power project, which has positively impacted the lives of residents and bolstered the state’s economy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially dissolved the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which includes the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari and Chairman Pius Akinyelure, along with all other board members appointed in November 2023.
In an announcement, the President introduced an 11-member restructured board, appointing Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the Non-Executive Chairman. These changes are effective immediately, as stated by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
Emphasizing the need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPC,” President Tinubu exercised his authority under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to implement this significant reorganization.
The newly formed board comprises Adedapo Segun, who continues as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), alongside six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones: Bello Rabiu (North West), Yusuf Usman (North East), Babs Omotowa (North Central), Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South West), and Henry Obih (South East). Additionally, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, will serve on the board.
The President has charged the new board with conducting a strategic review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture assets to optimize value. This includes increasing crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030, boosting gas production to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion by 2030, and expanding NNPC’s refining capacity to 200,000 bpd by 2027 and 500,000 bpd by 2030. The administration also aims to attract $30 billion in oil investments by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030, building on the $17 billion secured in 2024.
Ahmadu Musa Kida, the new Chairman, is a Borno-born engineer and former Deputy Managing Director of Total Nigeria. He also has a background in basketball, having served as the ex-president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed GCEO, hails from Kwara State and was previously the Executive Vice President of Renaissance Africa Energy, where he led a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s Nigerian assets. He brings extensive experience from Elf and Shell, having worked across Europe and the Middle East.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing board for their contributions, particularly their efforts in reviving the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which have resumed production after years of dormancy. Analysts view this leadership change as part of Tinubu’s broader reforms in the oil sector, following last year’s removal of fuel subsidies and the promotion of private refinery investments. With the new team established, there are high expectations for enhanced transparency, efficiency, and profitability within Nigeria’s state oil enterprise.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The minority caucus in the house of representatives has condemned the killing of 16 Kano-bound hunters in Edo state.
On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after some vigilance group members raised the alarm on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The Edo state government said 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killing would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
During a visit to some of the families of the victims at Bankure LGA in Kano, Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, assured that justice would be served.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minority caucus described the killing of the hunters as “barbaric”.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement reads.
The lawmakers asked Nigerians never to resort to jungle attacks on fellow citizens but to always report any concerns to security agencies.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns,” the caucus said.
While noting that the incident is “already setting emotions on edge” in parts of the country, the legislators urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the security agencies investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Also, adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers implored Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Chinda, minority leader; Ali Isa, minority whip; and Aliyu Madaki, deputy minority leader.