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SA to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen urges investors to seize new opportunities in Nigeria’s energy sector

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…Says IOCs invested $82 billion in deepwater outside Nigeria since 2013

The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen has urged investors to seize new opportunities in Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting untapped potential and recent reforms to attract capital.

Speaking to a diverse audience, at the ongoing African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, she underscored the untapped potential within the industry and discussed the recent reforms implemented by the President Bola Tinubu administration to attract investment.

Verheijen noted that the country has historically underperformed in oil and gas production despite Nigeria’s wealth in the oil and gas industry.

She referenced how countries like Brazil that has only 30% of Nigeria’s oil reserves has outperformed by producing 131% more than current production of Nigeria.

“Despite our abundant endowments, we have underperformed against our potential. For example, Brazil holds only 30% of Nigeria’s oil reserves but produces 131% more.

This is largely due to under-investment,” she said. She said that since 2016, Nigeria has attracted only 4% of African oil and gas investments, while investment has surged in other, less resource-rich nations.

“Since 2016, Nigeria has managed to attract only 4 percent of total investments in oil and gas, while less resourced countries in Africa have enjoyed a bigger share.

When we analyzed investment data, we also found that, between 2013, when Nigeria’s last deepwater project reached FID, and now, IOCs operating in Nigeria have committed more than $82 billion in deepwater investments in other countries that they have deemed to be more attractive destinations for their capital.”

Recognizing this trend, the presidential aide highlighted many efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to enact reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape.

Among these initiatives, she said the government has introduced fiscal incentives targeting deep offshore and non-associated gas projects, marking the first time Nigeria has outlined a fiscal framework specifically for deepwater gas.

In efforts to enhance the upstream Oil and Gas sector, she said her office has collaborated closely with the office of the National Security Adviser to create and distribute focused Security Directives, leveraging insights garnered from on-ground operators.

Additionally, Verheijen revealed steps to streamline approval processes by clearly defining the regulatory scopes involved.

This initiative, she said, aims to significantly reduce the extended project timelines that have historically plagued the industry, as well as the high-cost premiums associated with operating in Nigeria.

She added, “Our target is to shorten the contracting timelines from an extensive 38 months to just 135 days, while also working to eliminate the 40% cost premium that currently exists within the Nigerian petroleum industry.

The presidential aide also revealed efforts by the current President Tinubu administration to further open up the oil and gas sector for bigger investments with a set of clear fiscal incentives for Non-Associated Gas and Deep offshore Oil & Gas exploration and production.

“This is the first time that Nigeria is outlining a fiscal framework for Deepwater gas since exploration in the basin commenced in 1991,” She said.

According to her, amongst other initiatives, there has been a focus on midstream and downstream investments in Compressed Natural Gas, (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas, and electric vehicles as part of the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative.

She added that the administration has also worked to streamline regulatory processes, shorten project timelines, and reduce the high-cost premium of operating in Nigeria.

“We have also introduced fiscal incentives to catalyze investments in the midstream and downstream sectors, including, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

“These align with the broader Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, which seeks to enable the displacement of PMS and Diesel in three key sectors: heavy transport, decentralised power generation and cooking.

These incentives are also stimulating demand for Electric Vehicles. “Our goal is to eliminate the 40% cost premium within the Nigerian petroleum industry and cut down contracting timelines from 38 months to 135 days,” Verheijen stated.

She said the government has unlocked over $1 billion across the energy value chain, with two more major investment projects expected by mid-2025.

“We are also facilitating the transfer of onshore and shallow water assets to local companies with the capacity to grow production, while supporting the transition of International Oil Companies, with resilient capital, into deep offshore and integrated gas.

We have unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the value chain and by the middle of 2025 we expect to see FID on two more projects, including a multibillion-dollar deepwater exploration project, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria in over a decade – one of many to come.

Verheijen also addressed efforts by the Tinubu administration to revamp the nation’s power sector, with plans to provide more reliable electricity access for the 86 million Nigerians currently underserved.

She said the scheme aims to improve revenue assurance and collection. Other key measures include tackling legacy debt, deploying seven million smart meters to reduce losses, and expanding off-grid solutions for remote communities.

By 2027, Nigeria aims to ensure 20 hours of electricity daily for consumers in urban areas and industrial hubs.

Highlighting recent macroeconomic reforms such as petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization, Verheijen expressed confidence that Nigeria is set for unprecedented growth.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is championing reforms to unlock its vast economic potential and create jobs,” she concluded, inviting foreign partners to participate in Nigeria’s next chapter of growth.

Abiodun OladunjoyeDirector of Information State House, AbujaNovember 7, 2024

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NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation

Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) advises Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets circulating across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency explained that the counterfeit product imitates the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging, which Promasidor Nigeria Ltd stopped producing in September 2023.

The legitimate product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”

The fake sachets unlawfully bear the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number and packaging design, despite not being manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.

The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued ‘Our Milk’ packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor,” the agency stated.

“They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.”

The regulator raised concerns over the health risks posed by the counterfeit product.

“Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients.

Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.

Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” NAFDAC warned.

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Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work

Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.

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The Japanese government has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in Japan

Japan also unveiled similar hometown designations for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique in Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari, respectively.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy, promoting economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.

Under the new arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerian youth. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also be eligible to live and work in Kisarazu under the special visa dispensation.

“Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.

The designation of Kisarazu builds on historical ties between Nigeria and the city.

The Nigerian Olympic contingent trained in Kisarazu during preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes acclimatised before moving to the Olympic Village.

Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, who received the certificate from the Japanese government alongside Mrs. Adeseke, expressed optimism that the initiative would boost the city’s population and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts.

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BREAKING: FG, state, local governments share N2.001trn July revenue

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The three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—shared a total of N2.001 trillion from the Federation Account as revenue for the month of July 2025, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The allocation was made during the FAAC meeting held in August 2025 in Abuja, with details released in an official communiqué.

The distributable revenue included:

  • N1.282 trillion in statutory revenue
  • N640.610 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • N37.601 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL)
  • N39.745 billion from exchange rate difference

Out of the total distributed funds:

  • The Federal Government received N735.081 billion
  • State Governments received N660.349 billion
  • Local Government Councils received N485.039 billion
  • N120.359 billion was shared to oil-producing states as 13% derivation revenue

Revenue Breakdown:

Statutory Revenue (N1.282 trillion):

  • FG: N613.805 billion
  • States: N311.330 billion
  • LGs: N240.023 billion
  • 13% Derivation: N117.714 billion

VAT (N640.610 billion):

  • FG: N96.092 billion
  • States: N320.305 billion
  • LGs: N224.214 billion

EMTL (N37.601 billion):

  • FG: N5.640 billion
  • States: N18.801 billion
  • LGs: N13.160 billion

Exchange Gains (N39.745 billion):

  • FG: N19.544 billion
  • States: N9.913 billion
  • LGs: N7.643 billion
  • 13% Derivation: N2.643 billion

The total gross revenue for July was N3.836 trillion, down from N3.485 trillion in June. Cost of collection deductions amounted to N152.681 billion, while N1.683 trillion was allocated for transfers, refunds, savings, and interventions.

FAAC noted improved collections from Petroleum Profit Tax, Oil and Gas Royalties, EMTL, and Excise Duties, while Companies Income Tax and CET Levies declined slightly. VAT and Import Duties saw marginal growth.

The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in the allocation of national revenues across all levels of government.

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