Broadcasting
CSI: Seplat Says Community, People Empowerment Critical to Energy Sector Stability
Seplat Energy Plc, leading Nigerian independent energy company, says the execution of corporate social investment (CSI) programmes in oil and gas producing communities as well as empowerment of their people is capable of promoting stability in the energy sector and ensure security of critical national assets.
Mr. Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy, said this during the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) 2024 organised by SPE Nigeria Council in Abuja recently. The theme of this year’s SPE OLEF is Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation and Security.
Ezugworie, who spoke during the Energy Forum Discussion Session, said operators and the energy industry at large must refocus on sustainability and think long-term. “In tackling security and ensuring stability in our industry, we must think sustainability and operate responsibly. In doing this, we must collaborate; as we can impact our people and communities more collaboratively,” the Seplat Energy COO advised.
Identifying the various social investment programmes executed by Seplat Energy yearly in communities where it has operations, Ezugworie said health, educational, infrastructural and skills/knowledge interventions are executed as part and parcel of business strategy, which is in tune with Seplat Energy’s sustainability journey. Seplat Energy also executes projects targeted at solving energy problems for the communities and increasing energy access for the people. “Operators should be very intentional about these interventions. They don’t come by chance. The idea is to continue to service our partnership with our communities,” he added.
“If you keep people empowered and included, they will find less reasons to be agitated or violent. Of course, they will become your partners and show willingness to work with you for the common good of all,” Ezugworie added.
He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the government for their efforts in securing the oil and gas assets in the country, adding that there are opportunities to do more to further ensure a more stable industry. Particularly, Ezugworie commended the government for the recently signed three Executive Orders on the oil and gas sector, identifying the action as a needed step in the right direction.
Identifying investment inflows in the energy sector as also critical in driving stability, the Seplat Energy boss said the company’s ANOH gas plant, which achieved mechanical completion in December 2023, will be a major game changer. First gas from the ANOH plant is expected this year, which will make Seplat Energy a leading domestic supplier of gas. The ANOH gas plant will provide feedstock for the OB3 pipeline nearing completion.
He also identified the divestment programmes of the international oil companies (IOC) as also key in the quest to stabilise the country’s oil and gas sector, saying successful completion of the programmes are capable of creating and retaining more value for the industry and the Nigerian economy at large as is evident in success stories of Seplat Energy and other indigenous operators that have recorded giant strides over the years.
Stressing the need for Nigeria to secure its critical national assets like oil and gas pipelines, Ezugworie said pipeline inspections via sensors, drones and robots, amongst others, are essential. Despite the fact that these technologies can detect and locate defects, anomalies, and threats in real time, and provide data and feedback for maintenance and repair, Ezugworie said there is the need for improved response time to actually address the challenges.
He added: “If you look at what the NNPCL is doing today to combat oil theft, you will see that the journey has already started. The platforms have been built for the collaboration among stakeholders to thrive. But we still see some of these threats recurring.
“In the area of collaboration, we need to improve more when it comes to intelligence sharing. Strong collaboration between government agencies is also very key. The relationship between these government agencies should be very cordial to boost response time when the need arises. Implementing these strategies will significantly improve collaboration between security agencies and industry stakeholders in Nigeria, leading to better intelligence sharing, coordinated response efforts, and enhanced security outcomes.”
Broadcasting
NERC Discloses $5.7 Million Debt Owed by International Customers for Q3 2024 Electricity Supply
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that international customers owe $5.7 million for electricity supplied in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The debtors include Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE from the Benin Republic, Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger, and Odukpani-CEET from Togo.
Under an international treaty, Nigeria exports electricity to neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.
In its latest quarterly report, NERC stated that market operators (MO) issued invoices totaling $12.19 million to six international firms for services rendered in Q3, out of which $6.49 million was paid.
“In 2024/Q3, the six (6) international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $6.49 million against the $12.19 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3,” the report said.
“Similarly, the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of ₦1,566.51 million against the ₦2,100.79 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3.”
NERC highlighted that some bilateral customers—both domestic and international—made payments in Q3 2024 to settle outstanding invoices from previous quarters. “Odukpani-CEET made a payment of $1.33 million towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” the report revealed.
“Similarly, the MO received ₦31.51 million from the domestic bilateral customers (North-South/Star Pipe; ₦9.50 million and Trans-Amadi (OAU/FMPI); ₦22.01 million) towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters.”
However, NERC noted that its special customer, Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd, along with the host community, failed to make any payments towards the ₦1.26 billion (NBET) and ₦0.11 billion (MO) invoices received in Q3 2024.
“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer, and the Commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant FGN authorities,” the commission said, warning that continued non-payment could lead to total disconnection from the national grid.
In September, Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE) for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).
By December, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, announced plans to commence the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to nutrition and hunger relief, to provide nutritious food and gifts to 1,000 vulnerable children in Makoko, Lagos.
This initiative is part of QNET’s end-of-year social impact activities.
Supported by QNET’s legal partner, Transblue Limited, the project is part of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention for Food Insecure Students (EDUFOOD) program that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity among underserved students by providing healthy meals and essential educational resources.
A report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence rate of 32% among children under five.
Furthermore, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Guided by our principle – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), we believe that education and good health for children are the cornerstones of a thriving society.
Partnering with LFBI allows us to make a tangible impact on vulnerable children’s lives, reflecting our mission to empower youths and improve communities.”
Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, shared his thoughts: “This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also brings joy to young hearts, allowing them to truly experience the spirit of Christmas. Together, we are fostering hope, joy, and a brighter future fo r all.”
Michael Sunbola, Executive Director of LFBI, expressed gratitude for the partnership:“QNET’s support empowers us to reach even more children during this season of celebration, improving their health and unlocking their potential. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter future.”
The partnership underscores QNET’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Quality Education (SDG 4).
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa.
The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season.
Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike.
The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’.
This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent.
Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu.
“We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
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