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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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JUST IN: President Tinubu Extends Customs Boss Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year

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President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Originally set to end in August 2025, his tenure will now continue until August 2026.

According to a statement signed by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the extension aims to give Mr. Adeniyi the opportunity to consolidate key reforms and oversee the completion of major initiatives, including the modernisation of Customs operations, the National Single Window Project, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Tinubu commended Adeniyi’s leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would bolster trade facilitation, boost revenue generation, and enhance border security.

Appointed Comptroller-General in October 2023, Adeniyi recently achieved international recognition when he was elected Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization, the highest decision-making body in global customs affairs.

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Kogi Governor Commends President Tinubu over Abuja-Lokoja Road Reconstruction

The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.

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The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing unparalleled commitment towards the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja road Reconstruction, saying his action has demonstrated his unwavering determination to fix the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

The Governor while inspecting a section of the road at Kotonkarfe in Kogi State said the President represents a “coalition of excellence”.

“This is our own coalition. This is what our President is doing and we are grateful to him. This is development”, he said.

The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.

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JUST IN: Oluremi Tinubu Donates 1 Billion naira to victims of Yelwata attack

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The Wife of the President Oluremi Remi Tinubu has donated the sum of one billion naira to victims of the horrific Yelwata attack in Benue State.

Oluremi Tinubu who announced the donation during her condolence visit to the state, described the killings as very unnecessary.

About 6 weeks after the heart wretching attack on Yelwata community of Guma local council of Benue State State Wife of the President Oluremi Tinubu visits to pay her condolence.

She proceeds to the new banquet hall of the Government house Makurdi where she meets with relevant stakeholders and makes a significant donation on behalf of council of the renewed hope agenda initiative.

Earlier State Governor Hyacinth Alia while appreciating the show of sympathy by the first family renewed his call for the establishment of State police.

Chairman State Council Of Chiefs the Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayatse wants the killer terrorists flushed out of the State and neighbouring Nassarawa State.

He equally called for compensation for victims to rebuild their lives and return back to their ancestral homes.

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