Oil & Energy

As Jonathan Demystifies Power Sector

Published

15 years ago

January 31, 2011

When nine months ago President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office and assigned to himself the position of Minister of Power, not many Nigerians were excited. Their skeptism hinged on the obvious reason that in the past, both General Sani Abacha and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo took similar steps during their respective regimes by appropriating to themselves the position of Petroleum Minister, yet no concrete results were achieved in the petroleum sector.

Pundits were of the view that Jonathan’s appropriating the Minister of Power Portfolio to himself would not revive the ailing power sector as they regarded the step as mere government rhetorics.

The power sector was already characterized by very low generation capacity, poor distribution network and a fragile limited transmission network. The multinational oil companies responsible for gas supply to the nation’s power station in joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were unable to supply gas as the militancy that ravaged oil activities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region led to blowing up of strategic oil and gas pipelines. The situation resulted in the power plants either being shut down while few functional ones were producing far below capacity. The resultant effect was that most Nigerians groped in darkness and scores of companies whose operations were frustrated as a result of high cost of alternative power supply left the country for other West African countries.

Added to the situation was the fact that efforts by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua to revive the ailing power sector suffered failure inspite of huge funds invested. The much touted 6,000 megawatts targeted by Yar’Adua in 2010 also failed. The question that was in the lips of must Nigerians then was what magic approach would President Jonathan adopt to revive the dying power sector?

However, not deterred by the challenge, Jonathan took some proactive and far-reaching measures to give a breathe of life to the nation’s powerless power sector. He sort for and appointed high brow professionals with enviable record to confront the challenges in the sector. He appointed Prof Bart Nnaji as his Special Adviser on Power and also created some committees on power.

To address the gas supply challenge, the Presidency summoned the management of the multinational oil companies and NNPC and they reached an accord on the strategies to supply adequate gas needed to energise the power stations.

After casting a wide look at the sector, according to Prof. Nnaji, Federal Government came to the realization that Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure needs are enormous such that government alone cannot meet these needs, hence the urgency to involve the private sector.

In his paper, “The Role of the Private Sector and Structured Financing in Solving Nigeria’s Power Supply Problems”, delivered at an International Power Roundtable organized by the Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Power last year, the Special Adviser to the President on Power said only about 40% Nigerians have access to electricity supply and that to meet the electricity demand of the nation’ by 2020, distribution network has to grow at the rate of at least 6% each year against the current average growth rate per annum estimated below 1%.

On the large funding required, Prof Nnaji said about $50 billion was required over the next ten years. “Government capital outlays for all capital budget is $5 billion annually meaning that annual funding requirement has outstripped the capacity of government funding”, he regretted.

The Federal Government has no option than to let go its monopoly on electric supply and opened its door widely for both local and foreign private investors. The government has offered prospective investors in the power sector a five-year tax holiday to serve as an incentive to woo them.

To achieve same goal, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has commenced road shows in Lagos to enlighten investors on opportunities in the sector. BPE said apart from the five-year tax holiday, another incentive for investors in the sector is the World Bank’s instruments to insure their investment against political risks in the country and assured investors of a cost-reflective tariff system.

Aside the Lagos event, meetings are scheduled to be held with investors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates’ on January 24; London, United Kingdom on January 27; New York, United States on February 1 and Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 11. This came ahead of a February 18 deadline for the expression of interest in the eleven distribution companies, four thermal generating firms and two hydro power stations in Nigeria.

The eleven distribution companies which investors are expected to express their interest in include Port Harcourt Distribution Company Plc, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc.

Others are Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc and Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc.

The four thermal generating stations which investors are expected to show interest are Afam Power Plc, Sapele Power Plc, Ughelli Power Plc and Geregu Power Plc while the two hydro power stations are Kainji Power Plc, including Jebba Power station and Shiroro Power Plc which government intends to give out to private investors under a concession arrangement.

According to Minister of State for Power, Mr Nuhu Wya, the forum in Lagos was organized to showcase numerous opportunities available in Nigeria’s Power sector.

Inspite of the fact that most government efforts are at early stages, the administration of Goodluck Jonathan has already recorded some humble achievements. The meeting between Federal Government and oil multinationals over gas supply has yielded fruits as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation said it has already surpassed its gas supply obligation to power stations across the country, in line with Federal Government’s aspiration.

The group managing director, Engr Austen Oniwon disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja and added that NNPC has also taken proactive measures to ensure sufficient gas supply to the new ones under construction upon completion.

At present power generation in the country has risen to 3,800 megawatts. Analysts view this as very impressive considering the fact that generation was below 2,700 mega watts when President Jonathan assumed office. Minister of States for Power, Mr Nuhu Way promised that by the end of this quarter, generation will get to 4,000 megawatts.

It is obvious that when the action plans come to full swing, the nation will hopefully actualize its dream of stable power supply which has eluded it for decades.

Nigerians have attested to the fact that power supply has improved in all parts of the country compared.

However, the agitation by staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) over their 135% salary areas, casual status of alleged 10,000 workers and other welfare issues need to be addressed considering the fact that they are stakeholders in the reform agenda. Unfortunately, the electricity workers have dragged the government to Abuja High Court over the issue.

Sabotage by electricity workers who connive with criminals to remove power facilities may affect the new effort of the government. Similarly the issue of estimated metering adopted by PHCN workers do not guarantee transparency. Experts are of the view that credit card system be adopted as is the case in Telecommunication sub sector.

Another area that also needs to be addressed is the award of rural electrification projects to portfolio carrying politicians who either abandon such projects or execute them at substandard level.

There is need for the Federal Government to fast track investigations on allegations of fraud which runs into billion over past power projects.

Be it as it may, Goodluck Jonathan has shown that the power challenges which affect socio-economic lives in Nigeria can be tackled as his efforts has renewed hope of Nigerians.

Chris Oluoh

Oil & Energy

Rivers PETROAN Elects 12-Member Executive

Published

10 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Petroleum Products Retail Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Rivers State Branch, has elected a 12 – member executive to steer the affairs of the association for the next four years.

The executive, elected during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, at it’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, and sworn in immediately after the election, was mandated to, among other things, tackle the adulteration of petroleum products as well as address irregularities in meter readings across the state.

The newly elected executive include, Pastor Ezekiel I. Eletuo as Chairman, Kanu Addeson C. as Vice Chairman , Dr. Ejike Jonathan Nnbuihe as Secretary, Fidelis A.Inaku as Treasurer and Lady C. N. Ekejiuba as Financial Secretary.

Others are Anaenye Anthony as Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kingsley O. Anyino as Organising Secretary, Nze Peter Ezenwa as Chief Whip, and Sunny Williams as Auditor.

Other members of the executive included Chidiebere Ronel Akwara as Welfare Officer, Ibe Chimaobi C. as Legal Adviser, and Emetoh Chizoba as Assistant Secretary.

Inaugurating the new leadership, PETROAN Zonal Chairman, High Chief Sunny G. Nkpe, charged the team to build on the achievements of the outgoing executive.

He urged them to collaborate with stakeholders in the petroleum sector to ensure industry stability and address issues of multiple taxation.

Nkpe who emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and an open-door policy in administering the union, insisted these principles remained crucial in advancing the association’s objectives and improving members’ welfare.

The zonal chairman also commended the outgoing executive for their accomplishments during their tenure and for conducting a smooth transition process.

He further described their efforts as instrumental in strengthening the union’s standing in the state.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Pastor Ezekiel I. Eletuo, thanked members for their confidence and pledged to improve on the foundations laid by the previous administration.

He promised his leadership would be guided by transparency, accountability, fairness, unity, and integrity.

Eletuo called on all members to support the new executive in its efforts to elevate the association.

Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman, of the association, Sir Chilam Francis Dimkpa, expressed appreciation to members for their support during his administration and stressed the need for them to extend the same cooperation to the new leadership.

Dimkpa highlighted key achievements of his tenure to include capacity building for members, increased union visibility through media advocacy, and the establishment of stronger ties with stakeholders, corporate organisations, and individuals.

He also acknowledged the support of the state government, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Stakeholders present at the event also delivered their goodwill messages.

Highlights of the event included administration of oath of office to the new executive and the presentation of certificates of return by the zonal chairman. .

By: Amadi Akujobi

Oil & Energy

FG Intensifies Efforts To Reposition Tourism Sector

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Federal Government has intensified efforts towards reposition Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry for global competitiveness, aimed at strengthening regulation, professionalism and workforce standards across the sector.

This was made known last week when the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) conferred fellowships, inducted professionals and inaugurated the governing boards of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN) in Abuja.

The high-profile event, held at Merit House, Maitama, drew senior government officials, regulators, tourism operators, cultural institutions, hospitality investors and development partners in what stakeholders described as a major institutional shift .

Government also formally inducted registered practitioners into various professional categories while also inaugurating the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of the HTSSCN, an employer-led platform designed to align workforce competencies with industry expectations.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the initiative represented a strategic intervention to strengthen accountability, standards and institutional coordination within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

According to the minister, Nigeria’s vast cultural assets, tourism destinations and creative talents can only translate into sustainable economic value through professionalism, regulation and globally accepted operational standards.

She noted that tourism and hospitality industry remains one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, contributing significantly to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and cultural diplomacy.

Musawa explained that NIHOTOUR Establishment Act has expanded the institute’s mandate beyond training, positioning it as a regulatory and certification authority for hospitality, tourism and travel practitioners in the country.

“No sector can attain sustainable growth without structure, standards, institutional coordination and skilled professionals,” she said, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, operators, training institutions and private sector stakeholders.

In his keynote address, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, described the event as a historic turning point in the formalisation of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Fagade said the induction of practitioners, conferment of fellowships and inauguration of the HTSSCN governing boards marked the beginning of a new era of institutional governance, professional recognition and sector-wide coordination.

“Regulation and standardisation are no longer optional; they are economic necessities if Nigeria truly intends to compete globally,” he stated.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Oil & Energy

Big Oil Reconsiders Previously Unattractive Destinations

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Middle Eastern crisis has prompted a reprioritization among international oil companies. Previously unattractive drilling destinations are suddenly looking quite attractive—even Alaska.

The oldest oil and gas producing part of the United States has for years been out of the spotlight as the industry moves to cheaper and faster-growing locations. The only news of any substance about Alaska recently was the Biden administration’s approval of the Willow project, led by ConocoPhillips, which was set to boost the state’s oil output by 160,000 barrels daily, and Australian Santos’ Pikka project, set to start commercial production this year. That was years ago. Now, Big Oil is eager to drill in Alaska.

Earlier this month, a lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska attracted record bids, worth a total $163 million. Among the bidders were Exxon, Shell, and Repsol, with the latter already partnering with Santos on the Pikka development. And this may be just the beginning.

Related: Saudi Aramco Looks to Raise $10 Billion from Real Estate Asset Deal

The Bureau of Land Management offered 625 tracts across about 5.5 million acres for bid in the sale, revived at the end of last year by the Trump administration. No lease sales were held in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska under President Biden. Yet under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, there will be a total of five lease sales in Alaska over the next ten years.

“With the imminent start-up of the Pikka project on the North Slope, the reversal in the decline of oil production in the great state of Alaska is going to help put more oil in the Pacific area at an important moment,” Repsol’s head of upstream operations, Francisco Gea, said as quoted by the Financial Times. Gea called Alaska “a fantastic opportunity”. The Pikka project, which has a price tag of $4.5 billion, will produce up to 80,000 barrels daily.

It is indeed a fantastic opportunity, at the very least because it is nowhere near the Middle East and as such is a highly secure energy exploration destination. Canada is in a similar position, by the way: the head of the International Energy Agency earlier this month told an industry event Canada had a golden opportunity to step in as a secure energy supplier in a world that’s currently 14 million barrels daily short on supply because of the Middle Eastern crisis.

Security, then, is what has prompted Big Oil to return to the North—even Shell, which left in 2015 after writing off as much as $7 billion on an unsuccessful drilling campaign hampered, among other things, by strong environmentalist opposition. According to the Financial Times, the supermajor’s decision to partake in the latest Alaska lease sale was surprising for analysts.

However, according to chief executive Wael Sawan, the lease sale concerns a different part of the state. “It is a very, very, very different part of Alaska that we have gone to,” he told the Financial Times. “This is an onshore exploration opportunity in a very well-established basin that has been producing for some time… So this is not offshore Alaska where we have had the challenges in the past.”

Crude oil is not the only thing drawing the energy industry to Alaska in these times of oil and gas trouble. Gas is also a magnet—in this case, in the form of the Alaska LNG project. Interest in the Alaska LNG export project has spiked since the war in the Middle East choked 20% of global LNG supply and sent Asian buyers scrambling for expensive spot cargoes.

Glenfarne Group, the majority owner and developer of the facility, aims to sign binding offtake agreements with buyers soon and advance final investment decisions to later in 2026 and early 2027, company executives told media earlier this year on the sidelines of an energy conference in Tokyo.

“There’s a real interest, particularly with everything happening in the Middle East right now. Everyone would like to get those (preliminary deals) turned into long-term agreements,” Adam Prestidge, president of Glenfarne Alaska LNG, told Reuters in March.

Alaska LNG is designed to deliver North Slope natural gas to Alaskans and export LNG to U.S. allies across the Pacific. An 800-mile pipeline is planned to transport the gas from the production centers in the North Slope to south-central Alaska for exports. In addition, multiple gas interconnection points will ensure meeting in-state gas demand.

The latest Alaska developments show clearly how the Middle East war has put energy security back in the spotlight, making previously challenging locations desirable again. With an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil supply wiped out of markets since the war began, according to Aramco’s Amin Nasser, alternative supply sources have become urgently needed, and not just for the short term. Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon—which at the moment seems unlikely—energy security will in all probability remain a top priority both for energy producers and for consumers.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com