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President Bola Tinubu Commissions Seplat Energy’s ANOH Gas Processing Plant
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Seplat Energy ANOH Gas Processing Plant, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The commissioning ceremony, which was held May 15, 2024, in Ohaji, Imo State, brought together key stakeholders in the industry.
Built by the ANOH Gas Processing Plant Company (AGPC), the ANOH plant is a joint venture owned equally by Seplat Energy and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The Plant attained mechanical completion in December 2023 without a single recordable Lost Time Incident (LTI) across 12 million man-hours. With a Phase One processing capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day, The ANOH Gas Processing Plant Company is expected to deliver dry gas, condensate, and LPG to domestic and international markets.
Speaking at the commissioning occasion, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commended Seplat Energy and its partners for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s energy agenda. He stated, “Today is a great day of achievement demonstrating teamwork, commitment, and dedication to duty. I congratulate you for all you have done for the country and for fulfilling this in only 11 months. This event is highly significant and demonstrates the administration’s determination to accelerate the development of critical gas infrastructure geared at demonstrably enhancing the supply of energy to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities and further prosperity for the nation.
“The project also fully aligns with the Decade of Gas initiative and our quest to create value from the nation’s abundant gas asset while eliminating gas flaring and celebrating industrialization. I wish to assure the Nigerian people that indeed this project represents only the beginning as the Federal government is stepping up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest possible realization of gas fuel for prosperity in abundance”.
In his remarks Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, Board Chairman, of Seplat Energy, emphasized the strategic importance of the ANOH project, adding that “The ANOH gas project strongly aligns with Seplat Energy’s mission of leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity. As a testament of our pledge to Nigeria, in partnership with the NNPC Ltd, we have delivered this project that will support the current administration’s drive for industrialization and growth of the economy through low-cost reliable power.
“To put this into context, if all of the gas from this plant went into the power sector, it would produce enough electricity to transform the lives of over 5 million people. Given that Nigeria’s population is growing at a rate of over 5 million per annum, we need one of these plants a year every year just to meet the demand of our new arrivals. We all have work to do. We appreciate the unwavering support of our partner NNPCL, the cordial relationship with our host communities, Imo state government and the support of all stakeholders that are too many to mention.”
Commenting on the commissioning of the ANOH project Mr. Roger Brown, CEO, of Seplat Energy, stated that, “Seplat Energy is pleased with the progressive reforms by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration. In March 2024, the President signed executive orders to enhance investments in greenfield gas development and midstream capital projects. Also, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently improved gas prices under the DSO, to trigger further investments to the domestic gas sector – our ANOH gas plant will benefit from these reforms and incentives. “No doubt, the ANOH’s gas will further reduce Nigeria’s carbon intensity and increase energy supplied to the Nigerian domestic market.”
The commissioning ceremony was well-attended by members of the Board, Management and Staff of Seplat Energy, government officials, institutional partners, traditional rulers as well as indigenes, and industry players, amongst other stakeholders.
Speaking on the collaborative efforts between Seplat Energy and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) in bringing the ANOH Plant to fruition, Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd stated that, “The ANOH Gas Processing Plant being commissioned by NNPCL and our partner is in line with Nigeria’s decade 0f gas agenda and particularly consistent with the administration’s efforts to boost gas supply in the domestic market”.
Also speaking at the commissioning, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru, congratulated Seplat Energy on the record time completion of the project and expressed his delight at the opportunities that lie ahead of the State on account of the successful completion of the ANOH plant, just as Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) remarked that, “With a capacity of 600 million standard cubic feet per day, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant is a shining example of advancement. This plant will greatly advance the availability of domestic gas which will boost power generation and hasten industrialization.”
The ANOH Gas Processing Plant, located at Ohaji, in Imo State, is set to become one of Nigeria’s most strategic gas projects. It is poised to pave the way for increased gas production in Nigeria, accelerating the nation’s transition from small-scale diesel generators to cleaner, less expensive fuels such as natural gas for power generation. In February 2021, AGPC, successfully raised $260 million in debt to fund completion of the ANOH project. The project is now fully funded following the completion of equity investments of $210 million by each partner ($420 million combined).
Seplat Energy is committed to maximizing the potential of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and delivering value to all stakeholders. As the plant begins operations, Seplat Energy looks forward to harnessing its full potential and contributing to Nigeria’s energy transition journey.
News
PalmPay, Jumia Reward Users in Festive Campaign
This holiday season just got a whole lot more exciting! PalmPay, one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms, operates Nigeria’s most used mobile wallet and has teamed up with Jumia, the continent’s e-commerce giant, to launch a festive campaign that’s all about convenience, rewards, and enhancing your shopping experience.
Running from December 11th to 28th, 2024, this holiday campaign is set to reward shoppers who use the new “Pay with PalmPay” feature on Jumia with cash prizes. Every purchase made using the direct payment method automatically enters participants into a draw, giving them a chance to win exciting cash rewards while enjoying the seamless shopping and payment process.
A Strategic Partnership To Enhance Digital Payments
The integration of the “Pay with PalmPay Wallet” feature on Jumia marks a major milestone in the partnership between the two industry leaders.
Speaking at the media announcement, Mr. Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay, highlighted the broader mission driving this collaboration: “We are thrilled to join forces with Jumia to redefine convenience for shoppers. At PalmPay, our mission has always been to drive economic empowerment through accessible and user-friendly financial services. This partnership is a natural step forward in achieving that goal.”
Beyond the holidays, this partnership with Jumia m,k is a signal of bigger things to come. Mr. Chika added: “This is more than just about payments—it’s about creating value for our customers. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will unlock in 2025, including campaigns and innovative initiatives that will further transform the online shopping landscape.”
Sunil Natraj, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, highlighted the shared vision between both companies, stating: “At Jumia, we are dedicated to creating value for our customers by ensuring a convenient, reliable, and secure shopping experience. This partnership with PalmPay strengthens our commitment to enhancing the digital payments within our platform. By integrating PalmPay, we are providing more options for customers to access affordable and quality goods with the convenience of cashless transactions.”
How to Join the Holiday Fun
Participating in the campaign is simple. When shopping on Jumia, select the “Pay with PalmPay” option at checkout, and your entry into the draw is automatic. It’s that easy!
Bonus Entry: Share a screenshot of your purchase on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #PalmPayXJumia to increase your chances of winning. Additional winners will be selected from participants engaging with the campaign on Twitter.
Whether you are shopping for gifts, or gadgets this festive season, PalmPay and Jumia are making sure your experience is not only seamless but also rewarding.
To learn more about the campaign, stay tuned to the official X accounts (formerly Twitter) of @palmpay_ng and @JumiaNigeria. for updates, announcements, and more chances to win.
News
Corruption: ICPC Threatens Sanctions as 330 MDAs Fail Financial, Governance Tests
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), has revealed that none of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in the country complied fully with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures in the passing year.
This was following the findings from the Commission’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) for the MDAs.
The Commission warned that henceforth, non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives.
According to the EICS scorecard released on Thursday in Abuja by Demola Bakare, ICPC spokesperson, no MDA out of 330 MDAs that were assessed through physical deployment by ICPC teams achieved full compliance.
The EICS serves as a preventive tool used to assess and enhance the compliance of MDAs with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures.
Findings from the report indicated that no MDA achieved full compliance, while 29.55 per cent of MDAs captured attained substantial compliance, and 51.62 per cent had partial compliance.
The report also observed that 15.91 per cent showed poor compliance, while 292 per cent were non-compliant.
According to the report, common gaps included a lack of whistle-blower policies, strategic plans, and effective stock verification units, adding that many MDAs failed to conduct any forms of system studies or render financial and audit reports.
Commenting on the report, Bakare noted: “This year, 2024, the tool covered 323 responsive MDAs, with 15 MDAs non-responsive and categorised as high corruption risk.
“It is imperative to inform you that this initiative has yielded some positive and value-driven impacts, and these are, but not limited to, increased awareness and compliance with anti-corruption measures, enhanced competition among MDAs to meet criteria, and improved procurement processes and data reliability.
“The Commission recognises the MDAs with substantial compliance and will continue deploying these tools to promote integrity and accountability.
“Non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives. We are certain that these efforts will continue to underline ICPC’s dedication to enhancing good governance and preventing corruption.”
News
Dangote Refinery Denies Liquidity Challenges, Dismisses NNPCL’s $1Bn Loan Claim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has dismissed claims that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) used a $1 billion loan secured through a crude forward sale agreement to support the refinery during a liquidity crisis.
In a statement on Wednesday, Anthony Chiejina, company’s chief branding and communications officer, said the NNPCL’s stance was a distortion of the facts.
“We would like to clarify that this is a misrepresentation of the situation as $1bn is just about 5% of the investment that went into building the Dangote Refinery,” Chiejina said.
Chiejina stated that the refinery’s decision to enter into a partnership with the NNPCL was based on the recognition of “their strategic position in the industry as the largest offtaker of Nigerian crude” and at the time, the sole supplier of petrol into Nigeria.
“We agreed on the sale of a 20% stake at a value of $2.76 billion. Of this, we agreed that they will only pay $1 billion while the balance will be recovered over a period of 5 years through deductions on crude oil that they supply to us and from dividends due to them,” Chiejina said.
“If we were struggling with liquidity challenges we wouldn’t have given them such generous payment terms. As at 2021 when the agreement was signed, the refinery was at the pre-commission stage.”
According to the statement, the agreement would have been cash-based rather than credit-driven if the refinery struggled with liquidity issues.
The refinery’s spokesman said the NNPCL was subsequently unable to supply the agreed 300,000 barrels a day of crude (bpd).
He stated that the shortfall was because the NNPPC “had committed a greater part of their crude cargoes to financiers with the expectation of higher production which they were unable to achieve”.
“We subsequently gave them a 12-month period for them to pay cash for the balance of their equity given their inability to supply the agreed crude oil volume,” he said.
“NNPCL failed to meet this deadline which expired on June 30th 2024. As a result, their equity share was revised down to 7.24%. These events have been widely reported by both parties,” he said.
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