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TotalEnergies Reaffirms Commitment To Local Content Development

TotalEnergies has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improve initiatives that will improve on its local content delivery.

Speaking at the 9th Nigerian International Energy Summit, Mr. Cyprian Ojum, Deputy General Manager, Nigerian Content, TotalEnergies, emphasized that local content is a strategic priority, not just a compliance checkbox.

He stated that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 is clear: every operator must treat local content as an operating philosophy, focusing on retaining value locally.

“This week, we are discussing content as a strategic priority. We are here to tell a story, one that centers on local consciousness. This is not about ticking a compliance checkbox or fulfilling a political obligation. It is about having a deliberate plan”

“The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 is very clear, every operator, alliance partner, project promoter, contractor, or any entity involved in monitoring the oil and gas industry in Nigeria must treat local content as an operating philosophy”

“From the moment a project is conceived, the key question becomes: what quantity of value will be retained locally at the end of this project? That is precisely how local content is defined under the 2010 Act. Project design must therefore be driven by value retention”.

“This is why, at the early stages of our projects, we engage in extensive iterations with the SDLD. We make multiple visits to the NCDMB and sit with the Project Certification and Operations Department to review and refine our Nigerian Content Plan.”

“As mentioned earlier, the Act covers 17 service categories and over 300 subsections, each with clearly defined minimum and maximum local content thresholds. Whether the activity involves fabrication, construction, procurement, installation, transportation, drilling, mud services, or other operations, there are specific percentages that must be achieved, he said.

Ojum emphasized that local content is not just about compliance, but about building expertise and retaining value in-country. He cited the Agena project as an example of successful capacity building and value creation.

“Beyond value retention, Sections 10, 27, 28, 29, and 30 of the Act emphasize training Nigerians and developing capacity. For us, performance-driven local content is anchored on capacity building”.

“Take the Agena project as an example. Capacity development was deliberately built into the project through infrastructure investment. When LADOL and the Samsung–LADOL collaboration were referenced earlier, that speaks directly to TotalEnergies’ commitment.The largest FSO in Nigeria was delivered through this project”

“Within the Agena project alone, about 200 Nigerians were trained in critical skills that are actively deployed across the industry today not only within TotalEnergies, but also across other companies.

“Today, Agena contributes nearly 10 per cent of TotalEnergies’ global production. That level of impact underscores the scale of value created in Nigeria”, he said.

He explained that Total Energies’ approach includes: Human Capacity Development, designed to respond to industry needs, focusing on sustainability.

Value retention, by prioritizing local value creation and retention, and collaboration, this is done by working with local contractors and NCDMB to meet local content thresholds.

Ojum said TotalEnergies has achieved significant success in local content development, with its IKAN project reaching 95 per cent Nigerian content.

Highlighting the company’s commitment to building expertise and retaining value in the country,Ojum emphasized that Nigerians can deliver complex oil and gas projects to international standards, citing the IKAN project’s success, adding that the Ubata project aims to further push local content boundaries.

Ojum’s remarks highlight the importance of local content in driving Nigeria’s energy industry growth and sustainability.

admin by — February 3, 2026 in Business 0
Kano emirship crisis: Gov Yusuf’s alliance with Ganduje, APC sparks fresh rift, uncertainty

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has injected fresh uncertainty into the protracted Kano emirship crisis, raising a critical question on whether the political realignment will finally resolve the dispute, or will further complicate an already delicate situation?

For nearly two years, Kano has been gripped by an unprecedented royal standoff, with two emirs laying claim to the same revered stool.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II operates from the historic Gidan Rumfa Palace, while the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, remains at the Nassarawa mini-palace.

Each enjoys backing from rival political and institutional forces.

How the Crisis Began

The roots of the crisis date back to March 2020, when former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje dethroned Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, citing alleged insubordination, and replaced him with Aminu Ado Bayero.

Many observers, however, linked the decision to political differences, particularly Sanusi’s perceived closeness to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In May 2024, the pendulum swung again. The NNPP-led government of Abba Kabir Yusuf repealed the 2019 emirate law, abolished the five emirates created under it, and reinstated Sanusi as Emir of Kano.

The move restored a single-emir structure but triggered a fresh round of legal battles, with Bayero challenging his removal in court.

Defection Changes the Political Equation

Governor Yusuf’s recent move to the APC has altered the political landscape.

By joining the ruling party, Yusuf is now aligned with Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, figures apparently regarded as supporters of Bayero.

The defection also marked a sharp break with Yusuf’s former political Godfather, Senator Kwankwaso, under whose influence Sanusi was believed to have secured his reinstatement.

This realignment immediately fuelled speculation that the emirship dispute could be revisited as part of broader reconciliation within the APC.

Government Signals Dialogue

The speculation gained traction after the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, suggested that the crisis could soon be resolved.

“Now we will sit down and resolve such problems calmly. These issues will no longer be difficult. There will be discussions; where apologies are needed, they will be offered, and where forgiveness is required, it will be granted. In some cases, someone may be asked to make sacrifices for the sake of peace,” Waiya said during a radio programme.

His comments were widely interpreted as a sign that political dialogue, rather than prolonged litigation, might be explored.

Sanusi Remains Emir – Gov Yusuf

Amid the rising speculation, Governor Yusuf moved to draw a clear line.

Speaking through his spokesman, Sanusi Bature, he insisted there was no plan to remove Emir Sanusi.

“There is no plan to replace Emir Sanusi on the throne of Kano. The appointment of the emir was done after the emirates law had been repealed, and there is no plan at the executive level for any further amendment,” the governor said.

“Emir Sanusi remains the Emir of Kano. This defection to the APC will not change the status quo.

Bayero Camp Pushes Back

Despite the governor’s assurances, the camp of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero has rejected any talk of a negotiated settlement.

Sarkin Dawakin Babba, Aminu Babban Dan Agundi, who initiated the legal challenge against the Kano State Government, said the matter is strictly for the courts.

“There is no negotiation that can lead to the removal of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. The matter is before the courts, and no one has the authority to give judgment except the court. Everyone should wait for the Supreme Court’s decision,” he said.

Settlement Still Possible – Legal experts

Legal analysts argue that while the matter is in court, a settlement is not legally foreclosed.

Barrister Umar Usman Dan Baito, a lecturer at Northwest University, Kano, told DAILY POST that Nigerian law allows for settlement at any stage.

“Even if a case is before the Supreme Court, parties can still reach a settlement through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Once the court adopts the agreement, the case comes to an end,” he said.

Resolution or Complication?

While Yusuf’s move to the APC could, in theory, create a platform for political consensus, it has also deepened suspicions and hardened positions among the rival camps.

With the court yet to deliver final judgments and political interests continuing to intersect with traditional authority, the emirship tussle remains finely balanced.

Whether the governor’s defection will unlock a lasting resolution or further entangle the crisis now depends on how political dialogue, legal processes, and traditional reconciliation are managed in the weeks ahead.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in News 0
I may become APC member – Defense Minister, Musa

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, says he is likely to formally become a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking during an interview on ‘Sunday Politics’, a programme on Channels Television, General Musa said he is currently in political transition.

Musa said he was grateful that APC gave him the platform to present himself as Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, and now Minister of Defense, adding that he would definitely support the party.

The former CDS maintained that President Bola Tinubu needs full support, expressing full readiness to give Tinubu the support in every way he could.
“I’ve not transitioned yet. I’m in transition. I think I’ll become a politician, a member of the APC, definitely.

“Mr President needs all support, totally,” he said.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in News 0
NAFDAC Moves Against Sachet Alcohol, Denies Shutting Down Firms

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed its enforcement to ban  the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles (below 200ml), in line with the recent directive of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This decisive action, ordered by the Nigerian Senate and backed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, underscores the Agencys statutory mandate to safeguard public health and protect vulnerable populationsparticularly children, adolescents, and young adultsfrom the harmful use of alcohol.
The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers less than 200 ml has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, leading to widespread misuse and resultant addiction among minors and some commercial drivers.
This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities.
Placing a label to read not for children on the sachets and the small containers will not work. It cannot be enforced because of the peculiarity of the society.
 Many parents dont know their children take alcohol in sachet because the pack size can be easily concealed and the sachet is cheap.
History of six years of  moratorium given to manufacturers to reconfigure their product lines: In December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024.
The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow industry operators to exhaust old stock and reconfigure production lines.
NAFDAC emphasizes that the current Senate resolution aligns with the spirit and letter of that agreement and with Nigerias commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy Resolution  to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010), to which Nigeria is a signatory since 2010.
The aim of the Resolution is to protect vulnerable population such as children and the youth.
The ban on sachet packaging and PET botttle less than 200 ml is to make it difficult for children to get to alcohol and its consumption.
NAFDAC approves alcohol in bigger pack sizes. The small size of the sachet makes it easier for underage to conceal from parents and teachers.
 Report from schools show that children conceal the sachets. A teacher recently reported that a student said he couldnt take exam without taking sachet alcohol.
NAFDAC did not close down any company that makes alcohol. The Agency only ban the alcohol in sachet and small containers less than 200ml.
According to Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director-General, NAFDAC:
This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth by not allowing alcohol in small pack sizes.
 The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain.
The health of a nation is its true wealth.
NAFDAC reiterates that only two packages of alcoholic beverages are affected by this regulationspirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles below 200ml.
The Agency calls on all stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the phase-out deadline, as no further extension will be entertained beyond December 2025.
The Agency will continue to work collaboratively with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to implement nationwide sensitization campaigns on the health and social dangers associated with alcohol misuse.
NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to ensure that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.
admin by — February 2, 2026 in News 0
Nigerian govt apologizes for blackout in Lagos Int’l Airport

The Nigerian government, through the Federal Airport Authority, the manager of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), has apologized to passengers and stakeholders following a power outage at Terminal 1 at the weekend in Lagos state.

The Nigerian government agency, in a statement on its official X account on Sunday, attributed the disruption to a fault in the terminal’s changeover circuit.

According to FAAN, the interruption occurred after an issue arose during a power changeover process.

FAAN explained that its technical teams were immediately deployed to bridge the gap and transfer electricity supply to the secondary grid, while interim backup measures were activated to restore services as quickly as possible.

“We acknowledge the power outage at MMIA Terminal 1 yesterday (weekend). The interruption was caused by an issue with the changeover circuit.

“We apologize to all passengers and stakeholders affected by the disruption and any discomfort it caused”, the statement reads on X.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in News 0
Hunger has become tool of control in Nigeria – Aisha Yesufu

Frontline activist, Aisha Yesufu has warned that hunger and poverty have been deliberately weaponized in Nigeria, describing them as tools used to weaken citizens and suppress critical thinking.

In a post on X, Yesufu said the widespread hunger has left many Nigerians struggling to survive, with little capacity to engage politically or hold leaders accountable.

According to her, this condition has created a society where those who are not hungry must think and act not only for themselves, but also on behalf of those who no longer have the strength or space to do so.

“Hunger that is deliberately inflicted has made many lose their capacity to think,” she said, adding that poverty has become “a cancer that has eaten up the very soul of our society.”

Yesufu accused the political leadership of entrenching poverty while offering temporary relief measures during election periods.

She argued that such interventions are short-lived and designed primarily to secure votes rather than address systemic issues.

She called on Nigerians who are economically stable to come together and serve as the “soul and conscience of the nation,” urging them to take a deliberate stand for the country’s future.

“Nigeria has everything it needs to be great,” Yesufu said, emphasizing the need to confront hunger and revive what she described as the nation’s weakened spirit.

“We must unlock the spirit that has been starved the Nigerian can-do spirit.”

Her remarks come amid growing public concern over rising food prices, deepening poverty, and economic hardship across the country.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in News 0
Sanwo-Olu seeks deeper World Bank partnership for development

Lagos Gov., Sanwo-OluGov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu says Lagos State is ready to partner with the World Bank Group in energy, agriculture, tourism and human capital development.

He said the state was open to deeper collaboration and investment partnerships to improve infrastructure and raise living standards across Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, while receiving a World Bank delegation led by Managing Director (Operations), Ms Anna Bjerde.

The delegation also included the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Vice President for Africa, Mr Ethiopia Tafara.

The governor said Lagos remained committed to reforms that attract global support and was ready to meet requirements for increased World Bank assistance.

“Lagos is ready to do more to attract investments and partnerships that will positively impact our people.

“We are open to collaboration that strengthens infrastructure and accelerates inclusive growth,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted achievements under the THEMES+ agenda, saying its implementation had delivered measurable benefits to millions of residents.

He disclosed that Lagos moved from 29th to first position in the national Ease of Doing Business ranking within four years.

“We doubled our performance across critical areas through deliberate reforms and efficiency,” the governor said.

Earlier, Bjerde said the World Bank Group was keen to work with Lagos due to its strategic importance and reform-driven impact.

She described Lagos as a key World Bank stakeholder, citing stability created by recent economic and policy reforms.

“What Lagos is doing is demonstrative of national solutions. Nigeria’s policy consistency improves predictability, especially for investors,” she said.

Bjerde commended Lagos for reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving the Ease of Doing Business environment.

She said the World Bank planned a five-year country review to assess progress at national and subnational levels, including Lagos.

Bjerde added that the institution was ready to leverage Lagos’ capacity to strengthen private sector financing across key sectors.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in News 0
Petrol price surge sparks calls for crude subsidy

FUEL PUMPPetroleum product marketers have argued that the only way to shield Nigerians from the shock of a sudden surge in petrol prices is for the Federal Government to sell crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries at subsidised rates.

The marketers, therefore, urged the Federal Government to sell crude oil to domestic refiners with a subsidy to prevent a sharp increase in petrol prices.

Specifically, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider subsidising crude prices while also extending the naira-for-crude deal to other modular refineries operating in the country.

Dangote refinery recently effected a price hike, pushing the pump price of petrol to N839 per litre at MRS and other filling stations.

A few days later, crude prices surged above $70 per barrel in the global market, fuelling speculations that petrol prices could rise to N1,000 per litre in Nigeria, especially in locations far from the refinery or major tank farms.

Speaking on the development, the IPMAN spokesman, Chinedu Ukadike, said a subsidised crude oil supply had become critical to absorbing the shock of any possible price surge.

Crude oil prices, which serve as the main feedstock for refineries, change constantly, and such fluctuations directly affect the prices of petrol, diesel, and other fuels.

Ukadike said the Federal Government should offer refineries a ‘special deal’ on crude oil to act as a buffer, helping to keep pump prices stable even when global crude prices rise. In an interview with our correspondent, he said, “We need to consider crude oil subsidy.

The Federal Government can see how to subsidise crude oil being given to Dangote in naira.”

According to him, subsidised crude would help prevent what he described as a sudden increase in petroleum product prices, which often impacts the cost of domestic goods and services.

“The subsidy will ensure that there is no sudden increase in domestic goods and services. We are making this request now that the Federal Government should subsidise the crude oil it sells to Dangote and other refiners producing fuel locally,” he stated.

The IPMAN spokesman explained that the reason the refinery recently asked marketers to top up payments already made for petroleum products by N100 per litre was due to the rise in global crude prices, urging the Federal Government to consider the possibility of a crude subsidy.

Last Monday, the Dangote refinery announced an increase in its gantry price of petrol from N699 to N799 per litre. The adjustment pushed Dangote’s gantry price to about N70 higher than the landing cost of imported Premium Motor Spirit.

Findings by The PUNCH showed that marketers who had completed payments and processed final slips at N699 per litre were later asked to top up to N799 per litre before loading. This followed the refinery’s withdrawal of its temporary festive price support and the invalidation of previously issued loading authorisations.

Our correspondent reports that following the price increase by the Dangote refinery, most filling stations across the country adjusted their pump prices.

In Lagos, petrol prices ranged from N830 to N859 per litre. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited sold PMS at N849 per litre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. MRS filling stations dispensed the product at N839 per litre, while a few outlets sold at prices slightly lower than those of the Dangote-partnered MRS stations.

With the increase in petrol prices, Ukadike said fuel sales had slowed compared to the December festive period, noting that many consumers were becoming more conservative in their fuel consumption.

“The market is becoming slow now, unlike in the festive season when the prices were low. People were filling their tanks then, but now, people are becoming conservative because of the price increase,” the IPMAN leader stated.

Although the price of Brent crude settled at $69.32 per barrel on Sunday evening, Ukadike warned that unless crude prices decline to around $60 per barrel, petrol pump prices would continue to face upward pressure.

According to him, crude oil prices and exchange rates remain the major determinants of fuel pricing, stressing that changes in either would affect how petroleum products are sold in the domestic market.

Ukadike further warned that petrol could hit N1,000 per litre if the crude price surge persists, particularly in areas far from fuel depots. “The crude surge will definitely affect our local market. The price of petroleum products will come down if the crude price goes down; that’s the common principle of the market,” he said.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in Business 0
First HoldCo Records Major Impairment Charge, Grows Gross Earnings To ₦3.4tn

First HoldCo Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reflecting a year of deliberate strategic actions aimed at strengthening its balance sheet, improving asset quality, and positioning the business for more resilient and sustainable growth amidst successful capital raise activities.

As stated in the unaudited Group financial statement, FirstHoldCo recorded a 4.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in its Gross earnings to N3.4 trillion, supported by a 36.3% y-o-y growth in net interest income of N1.9 trillion on the back of enhanced earnings yield and margins of 17.11% and 11.0%, respectively. Similarly, net fees and commissions improved by 18.7% y-o-y to N290.7 billion. These are clear indications of the strength of the revenue generating capacity of the core business which continues to be solid.

 Earnings for the year were, however, lower than the prior year, primarily due to higher impairment charges in the commercial banking segment.
This is in line with a deliberate strategic decision to accelerate balance sheet clean-up and adopt more aggressive provisioning standards. Management views this as a prudent step that enhances transparency, strengthens investor confidence, and aligns fully with evolving regulatory expectations.

Additionally, increased regulatory costs affected profitability. These charges, while weighing on the results, underscore the Group’s compliance with Nigeria’s financial system stability framework and its commitment to ensuring systemic confidence. Despite these pressures, underlying performance of the Group remains strong.

Deposit liabilities grew by 10.0% y-o-y, driven by sustained deposit mobilisation and continued investment in digital banking platforms. This growth reflects strong customer confidence and deepening engagement across key segments.

The deposit mix also showed a deliberate reduction in foreign currency deposits, resulting from the repayment of expensive funding and the impact of naira appreciation. This shift supports improved funding efficiency and reduces foreign exchange risk.

Gross loans and advances declined marginally, reflecting a disciplined approach to credit growth, strengthened risk management, loan repayments, write-offs, and the translation impact of a stronger naira on foreign currency facilities.

The Group intensified its commitment to ensuring a high-quality, cleaner asset base, aiming to optimise the portfolio and enhance future earnings potential.

Furthermore, performance in earnings was impacted by a decline in non-interest income, mainly due to lower fair value gains on financial instruments following the naira appreciation in 2025. However, this was partially offset by stronger foreign exchange (FX) trading income and reduced FX revaluation losses.

Net fees and commission income also grew, supported by higher electronic banking fees, letters of credit commissions, custodian fees, and account maintenance income, reflecting the continued success of the Group’s digital-innovation strategy.

While impairment charges increased following the end of regulatory forbearance, management has intensified recovery initiatives and reinforced credit oversight.

Excluding impairment and fair value gains, pre-provision operating profit grew by 23.9% y-o-y to N973.3 billion demonstrating robust performance of the core business.

Apart from the commercial banking impairments, performance across the rest of the Group remained resilient, supported by steady customer activity and disciplined execution.

Looking ahead, the Group will continue to prioritise disciplined execution of its strategic objectives, with emphasises on enhancing efficiency and profitability, continuing to build on the Group’s digital and data capabilities, while sustaining a robust balance sheet to support increased value creation and returns for shareholders.

Alongside this, the Group will pursue selective growth initiatives, including new revenue streams, additional business verticals, and deeper participation in targeted African markets, in line with our strategy and risk appetite.

Further details and insights are to be provided when the audited full-year results are published and during the subsequent investor and analyst earnings call.

admin by — February 2, 2026 in Business 0
Dangote Group, NNPC Subsidiaries Seal Strategic Gas Agreements

Towards meeting the energy demands of their ongoing expansion projects, three subsidiaries of Dangote Industries Limited, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote Fertiliser Plant and Dangote Cement Plc have scaled up their Gas Sales and Purchase Agreements (GSPA) with subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd): Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited and NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC).
The upscaled Supply Agreements will help to drive the conglomerate’s Vision 2030, resulting in increased output, better and cleaner energy supply as well as support ongoing expansion projects. The Agreements were signed at the unveiling of the NNPC Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, tagged NGMP 2026 held at the NNPC Towers weekend in Abuja.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Mr. David Bird, signed on behalf of the refinery, while the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvid Pathak, signed on behalf of the cement company. Mr. Mustapha Matawalle signed on behalf of Dangote Fertiliser FZE.
CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird speaking at the signing ceremony said that the agreement demonstrates the refinery’s bold steps to expand its capacity. According to him, the agreements mark a critical milestone in the expansion drive as well as a proactive measure to lock in vast energy requirements for the anticipated increase in its production capacity.
According to Pathak, the agreement signing serves as an enabler of DCP’s strategic objectives. The agreement guarantees the gas required to support the drive towards CNG adoption as Autogas and to meet the increasing gas demand as production capacities in Nigeria are expanded. It also promotes the adoption of cleaner fuel for both Autogas through CNG and gas to support increased production output.
For Dangote Fertiliser FZE, it is anticipated the agreement will support the company’s fertiliser capacity expansion projects, given that fertiliser is a product of natural gas.
Meanwhile, speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Gas Master Plan as a deliberate pivot from policy articulation to disciplined execution, anchored on commercial viability and integrated sector-wide coordination.
He said: “Today’s launch is not merely the unveiling of a document; it represents a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector, aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations. Nigeria is fundamentally a gas Nation. With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been potential, but translation: translating resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people. The Gas Master Plan speaks directly to this challenge.”
Hon. Ekpo further noted that the Plan’s strong focus on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning natural gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation, and just energy transition.
In his address, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 as a bold, effective execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.
Ojulari noted that with about 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves and an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, Nigeria possesses one of the most consequential hydrocarbon basins in the world; one reinforced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Federal Government’s gas-centric energy transition agenda.
“The Plan is structured not just to deliver – but to exceed- the Presidential mandate of increasing national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalysing over 60 billion dollars in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030.”
He explained that the Plan prioritises cost optimisation, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while strengthening gas supply to power generation, CNG, LPG, Mini-LNG, and critical industrial off-takers.
Reaffirming his personal commitment as Chief Sponsor of the initiative, the NNPC Ltd GCEO stressed that the Company has adopted a more collaborative, investor-centric approach in shaping the NGMP 2026, with strong alignment to industry stakeholders, partners, and investors.
admin by — February 2, 2026 in Business 0