Oil & Energy

117 Rivers Communities Get N5bn GMoU Fund

Published

15 years ago

August 22, 2011

No fewer than 125 communities in 12 cluster development areas in Rivers State have so far received a whopping N5billion for the development of their communities as part of the implementation of the innovative Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).

This is part of the N7billion disbursed by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) for the sustainable development of host communities under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) implementation in the Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

These were disclosed last Friday in Port Harcourt at the first-ever GMoU Fair for Rivers State communities, organized to showcase the individual community achievements in the implementation of the innovative development concept.

Of the 12 cluster areas, only 10 are active with about 117 communities, and have got the lion share of the development fund, released directly into their bank accounts by SPDC for the execution of people-oriented projects and programmes, initiated and implemented by the communities.

The active cluster development areas that have benefited from the funding over the last four years are Akuku Toru with five communities; Andoni with 20; while three are in Degema 1; 30 in Degema 3; nine in Etche 1; 12 in Etche 2; nine in Greater Port Harcourt City; four in Shell Industrial Area; 12 in Ikwerre; and three in Shell Residential Area.

Available statistics indicate that the Akuku Toru Cluster has received N1,036,661,677.33 and spent N795,187,665.10 on 45 completed infrastructure projects, nine human capacity development programmes and 12 economic empowerment schemes as well as 19 ongoing infrastructure projects, two human capacity and another two economic empowerment schemes; while Andoni has got N139,750,000, and spent N63,383,570 on infrastructure projects and N33,356,963.05 on human capital development and economic empowerment schemes in four years.

Both cluster communities also have the sum of N158, 217,035.45 and N30, 917,506.97 unspent funds in their respective bank accounts.

Available statistics indicate that the three Degema 1communities have received N1, 215, 810, 893, and have expended N1, 006, 681, 319 on 36 completed and 17 ongoing infrastructure projects, human capital development and economic empowerment schemes, including 11 overseas scholarship programmes in the United States; while the 30 Degema 3 communities have so far got N2, 076, 666, 666.70 and pumped N1, 797, 652, 821.71 on 49 completed infrastructure projects and 52 human capital development programmes as well as 14 ongoing infrastructure projects and 39 economic empowerment schemes.

Both Degema 1 and 3 have N209, 129, 374, and N366, 242, 721.70 as balance in their separate bank accounts for the execution of more development projects in their communities.

In the Degema 3 soft programmes portfolio, 531 indigenes have received local tertiary and or secondary scholarships, paid bursary to 1,730 persons, equipped 368 unskilled indigenes with sustainable skills, empowered 663 with micro credit loans, sponsored one person on overseas scholarship and created transport scheme for 108 indigenes of the cluster.

The Tide investigations show that the nine communities in the Etche 1 cluster area received a total sum of N590, 306, 088, out which they spent N520, 888, 999.33 on 85 projects, out of which 69 have been completed while 16 are ongoing. In this project template are 24 human capital development programmes, 13 electricity and 18 water schemes, 14 infrastructure projects and 16 economic empowerment schemes.

Whereas the 12 communities in Etche 2 cluster area have so far received N435, 639, 610 and expended N343, 896, 077. 39 on 34 completed infrastructure projects and 12 ongoing ones, in addition to 21 human capital development programmes and two economic empowerment schemes; the nine communities in Greater Port Harcourt City have got N320, 032, 073, and spent N278, 712, 826 on no fewer than 35 projects. Both Etche 2 and GPHC clusters also have bank accounts balance amounting to N91, 743, 532.61 and N41, 319, 247, respectively, for more people-oriented development projects.

The Tide also found that the four IA Cluster communities have received N360, 584, 323.40, and spent N297, 324, 573.32 on 47 completed projects and one ongoing project, just as the 12 communities in Ikwerre Cluster area have confirmed receipt of N536, 506, 100, out of which N497, 192, 009 has been spent on 38 completed projects and 10 ongoing ones.

Similarly, the three RA Cluster communities have received N276, 950, 790, out of which they have spent N137, 206, 510.12 on 25 projects and programmes, split in 21 completed and 4 ongoing portfolios. Of these, they are eight human capital development programmes, five electricity projects, one water project, six infrastructure projects and five economic empowerment schemes.

Even as they have put these development landmarks on the ground, the IA, Ikwerre and RA cluster areas still have bank accounts balances running into N63, 259, 749; N39, 314, 091; and N139, 744, 279.88, respectively for further sustainable development purposes.

Besides, Akuku Toru Cluster communities still have outstanding accruing development funds amounting to N74, 047, 262. 00; while Degema 3 communities have N148, 333, 333, 30 yet to be paid by SPDC.

In their separate speeches, the chairmen of the 10 cluster development boards said that the GMoU initiative was the metamorphosis of the microcosm of resource control in the Niger Delta, and advised communities in the region to key into the concept to enable them benefit from the resources derivable from their areas.

Managing Director, SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, who said that these investments were a sure way to bring about sustainable development and positively impacting change to host communities, stressed that the transparency and accountability in the GMoU model provides a good platform for other local and international donor agencies to fund development projects directly through the community development boards.

Sunmonu, who spoke through SPDC’s Government and Community Relations Manager, Fufeyin Funkapo, noted that the range of projects and programmes executed under the GMoU template cover microcredit for men and women, scholarships, innovative healthcare, skills acquisition schemes, solar-powered electrification and water projects, among many others, and thanked Rivers State Government, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Economic Support Initiative (ESI), the local government councils, host communities, implementing non-governmental organisations and joint venture partners for ensuring the success of the initiative thus far.

Wife of Rivers State Governor and Founder of ESI, Dame Judith Amaechi, eulogized the SPDC and GMoU concept, and acknowledged the sterling contributions of the initiative to the overall development of the state.

Represented at the event by Mrs Nina Ejims, the governor’s wife emphasized that ESI supports 70 schools and 210 teachers in the state, and has partnered with Ikwerre and Degema cluster boards under the GMoU scheme to implement human capital and infrastructure development projects with significant dividends to the rural population in the state.

Nelson Chukwudi

Oil & Energy

Abia Secures $145m Investment Commitment To Establish Solar Manufacturing Plant

Published

2 days ago

July 20, 2026

The Tide

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has welcomed a proposed $145 million investment to establish a solar manufacturing plant in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, describing it as a major boost to the state’s industrial and renewable energy ambitions.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued last week by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, after Otti received the investors, led by their Team Leader, Dr. Oko Jaja, at the Government House in Umuahia.

During the meeting held on July 16, 2026, Otti said he was encouraged that the proposed project had reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage, with the investors committing up to $145 million to establish the solar manufacturing facility in the state.

What they are saying

Governor Otti welcomed the investors’ commitment, saying the project had progressed to the stage where they were ready to invest up to $145 million in Abia.

“I’m glad that at least you have reached the final investment decision where you are investing up to $145 million.”, he said.

He also assured the investors of the state’s continued support, noting that the government had already provided the land required for the project and remained willing to address any additional requirements needed to facilitate the investment.

“We had to do everything that was required to make the land available. And we would like to assure you that if there is any other thing that you need for this investment, do not hesitate to let us know”, the Governor said.

Speaking on behalf of the investors, Dr. Oko Jaja said the project, being developed with Chinese partners, had advanced significantly and that the first tranche of funding is expected to be released by September 2026, paving the way for implementation.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of MD NWAKANMA NIGERIA Limited, Dennis Madu Nwakamma, said construction of the plant is expected to commence by the end of September under a public-private partnership with the Abia State Government. He added that the project will manufacture solar panels and related products while creating jobs and providing technical training for young people in the state.

The proposed investment adds to Abia’s growing push into the renewable energy sector. The state is among the few in Nigeria with a regulated electricity market and is home to Geometric Power, whose integrated power system supplies electricity to Aba and surrounding communities.

The development also follows Governor Otti’s recent commissioning of an upgraded 5MVA power station at Abia State University, which doubled the facility’s capacity from 2.5MVA to improve electricity supply within the institution.

Earlier, in February 2024, he commissioned the 188MW Geometric Power Plant, a landmark project aimed at expanding power generation and improving electricity access in the state.

The proposed solar manufacturing facility is the latest in a series of investment projects announced for Abia as the state seeks to attract private capital into manufacturing and infrastructure.

In March, Governor Otti commissioned a $35 million industrial facility in Aba, part of a planned $100 million investment expected to deepen the city’s manufacturing base and attract additional private sector activity.

The state government has also completed the acquisition of Afro Beverages from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) after paying N500 million to facilitate the revival of the company.

Separately, the Federal Government and the African Development Bank have urged the Abia State Government to resolve administrative delays affecting the commencement of the $263.8 million Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development (ABSIID) project, which is expected to strengthen infrastructure and support economic growth across the state.

Oil & Energy

FG Urges Against Operators’ Actions That Could Distabilise Market

Published

2 days ago

July 20, 2026

The Tide

The Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, has called on operators in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to avoid actions that could affect the decentralised electricity market.

The minister made the call at the workshop on Legal, Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation between federal and state institutions on the Decentralisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), in Abuja.

Tegbe said the Federal Government retains an important leadership role, while state governments now have expanded responsibilities; the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)continues to regulate areas within its jurisdiction; and state regulators are emerging to supervise their respective markets.

He further stated that transmission remains a national asset; distribution companies continue to serve millions of customers; generation companies continue to supply energy into the grid; private investors provide capital; development partners provide technical support; while consumers remain at the heart of every decision.

Nothing that none of these institutions exists in isolation, he said: “Our success is interconnected. This is why collaboration must become the defining principle of our decentralised electricity market. We must ensure collaboration rather than competition between institutions. We must build alignment instead of regulatory conflict. We must practice mutual respect instead of jurisdictional rivalry.”

He said the Electricity Act did not establish parallel electricity industries, but complementary electricity markets, operating within one national framework.

“Our objective must therefore be regulatory coherence. Investors should not encounter conflicting rules. Developers should not navigate contradictory approval processes. Consumers should not become casualties of institutional uncertainty. Market participants should enjoy clarity, predictability and confidence wherever they choose to invest,” he stated.

Oil & Energy

Fuel Imports Surged By 207% In June — NMDPRA report

Published

2 days ago

July 20, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria’s petrol importation surged by 207 per cent in June 2026, even as domestic Premium Motor Spirit supply fell by 22 per cent, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The development marked a sharp reversal from the pattern recorded at the beginning of the year when domestic refining was supplying the bulk of the country’s petrol requirements.

The NMDPRA’s June 2026 Fact Sheet, obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, showed that average daily PMS imports rose from 5.9 million litres in May to 18.1 million litres in June.

The 12.2 million-litre daily increase represented a 206.8 per cent month-on-month rise.

In contrast, domestic PMS receipts fell from 41.5 million litres per day in May to 32.5 million litres per day in June, representing a decline of 9 million litres or 21.7 per cent.

Despite the sharp drop in domestic supply, total PMS receipts rose from 47.4 million litres per day in May to 50.6 million litres per day in June. This represented an increase of 3.2 million litres per day or 6.8 per cent.

The report read, “Total PMS receipts rose by seven per cent from 47.4 million litres per day in May to 50.6 million litres in June, driven by a 207 per cent surge in imports to 18.1 million litres, even as domestic supply fell by 22 per cent to 32.5 million litres per day.

“Domestic daily receipts include DPRP gantry and all coastal evacuation receipts. Consumption data is based on volumes trucked out from all facilities into the domestic market.”

The figures suggest that the increase in imports more than compensated for the decline in domestic supply during the month.

The development is significant because Nigeria entered 2026 with a much stronger domestic supply position. In January, domestic PMS supply was reported at 40.1 million litres per day, accounting for about 61.8 per cent of the country’s petrol supply, while imports averaged 24.8 million litres per day.

However, imports fell sharply to 3.0 million litres per day in February before rising to 5.9 million litres per day in March. The country’s dependence on imports then remained relatively low through the following months before the sharp increase recorded in June.

Compared with January, June’s domestic PMS receipts of 32.5 million litres per day were 7.6 million litres, or 19 per cent, lower than the 40.1 million litres recorded at the beginning of the year.

Conversely, June’s import volume of 18.1 million litres per day was 6.7 million litres, or 27 per cent, below January’s 24.8 million litres per day.

However, the composition of supply changed considerably. While domestic supply accounted for the larger share of the market in January, the June figures showed a much greater reliance on imports to supplement local production.

The June data also showed that the country’s crude oil receipts by domestic refineries improved during the month.

Crude oil receipt by domestic refineries rose from 0.578 million barrels per day in 0.632 million barrelsMay to per day in June, an increase of 0.054 million barrels per day, or 9.3 per cent.

The NMDPRA rounded the increase to 10 per cent in its fact sheet.

The rise in crude receipts occurred at a time when domestic PMS supply decreased, indicating that higher crude deliveries alone did not immediately translate into higher petrol receipts in the domestic market.

The figures could also reflect changes in refinery operations, product yields, maintenance activities, evacuation arrangements and the balance between domestic production and imported products.

The June fact sheet further showed that average daily PMS consumption increased marginally from 46.3 million litres in May to 47.4 million litres in June.

The 1.1 million-litre increase represented a 2.4 per cent rise.

The increase in consumption, however, was far smaller than the 207 per cent jump in petrol imports.

As a result, the country’s petrol stock position improved during the month. PMS stock sufficiency rose from 16.2 days in May to 19.7 days in June.

This represented an increase of 3.5 days, or 21.6 per cent.

The improvement means that the country entered July with almost 20 days of petrol stock sufficiency, despite the increased reliance on imports.

The increase in petrol stocks is significant against the background of the supply disruptions and price volatility that have characterised the downstream petroleum market since the removal of petrol subsidy.

At the beginning of 2026, the NMDPRA reported that PMS stock sufficiency had risen to 33 days in January, compared with 29.2 days in December 2025. However, the stock position subsequently declined before recovering to 19.7 days in June.

The June data also showed a dramatic increase in imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas.

Total LPG receipts rose from 4.1 kilotonnes per day in May to 5.1KT per day in June, representing a 24.4 per cent increase.

Domestic LPG receipts, however, fell from 4.0KT per day to 3.6KT per day, a decline of 0.4KT per day or 10 per cent.

Imports rose from 0.1KT per day in May to 1.5KT per day in June.

That represented an increase of 1.4KT per day, or 1,400 per cent.

The sharp increase in LPG imports helped push total receipts higher, even as domestic supply declined.

The figures indicate that LPG supply exceeded consumption during the month, potentially supporting inventory replenishment.

The supply of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, declined by 14 per cent in June.

AGO receipts fell from 18.8 million litres per day in May to 16.2 million litres per day in June, a decline of 2.6 million litres or 13.8 per cent.

The decline was entirely recorded in domestic receipts as the country recorded no AGO imports in either May or June.

The NMDPRA data showed that diesel consumption remained unchanged at 16 million litres per day in both months.

Consequently, June’s total AGO receipts of 16.2 million litres per day were only marginally above consumption.

Despite the lower supply, AGO stock sufficiency improved from 31 days in May to 37.1 days in June.

That represented an increase of 6.1 days or 19.7 per cent.

The rise in stock sufficiency, despite lower daily receipts, suggests that existing inventories continued to provide a substantial buffer for the diesel market.

The supply of Aviation Turbine Kerosene also fell during the month.

ATK receipts declined from 3.6 million litres per day in May to 2.5 million litres per day in June.

The 1.1 million-litre decline represented a fall of 30.6 per cent.

ATK consumption also fell from 3.1 million litres per day to 2.9 million litres per day, representing a 6.5 per cent decline.

The drop in consumption was, however, significantly smaller than the decline in receipts.

Domestic gas supply rose marginally during the period under review.

The NMDPRA reported that domestic gas supply increased from 4.984 billion standard cubic feet per day in May to 5.116Bscf/d in June.

The increase of 0.132Bscf/d represented a 2.65 per cent rise.

The authority said its domestic gas supply figure includes volumes supplied to the Nigeria LNG Limited.

The modest improvement came as the Federal Government and industry stakeholders continued to focus on increasing gas availability for power generation, industrial production and other domestic uses.

The January-to-June 2026 trend points to a petroleum market that has remained heavily influenced by the changing balance between domestic refining and imports.

Nigeria began the year with domestic PMS supply accounting for the majority of total supply. January’s 40.1 million litres per day from domestic sources compared with 24.8 million litres per day from imports.

By June, however, domestic supply had fallen to 32.5 million litres per day, while imports stood at 18.1 million litres per day.

Although the absolute volume of imports in June remained lower than January’s figure, the sharp increase from the May level showed how quickly the market could turn to imported products when domestic supply weakened.

The trend also highlights the continuing importance of domestic refining capacity to Nigeria’s fuel security.

In May, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery supplied an average of 41.5 million litres of petrol daily, according to reports based on the NMDPRA’s monthly data. The figure was significantly higher than the 40.1 million litres per day recorded in January. However, June’s domestic PMS receipt fell to 32.5 million litres per day.

The development comes amid the gradual transformation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, with the Dangote refinery increasingly supplying the domestic market while imports continue to act as a balancing source.

The figures also demonstrate that increased refinery crude supply does not automatically guarantee a corresponding increase in domestic petrol receipts. In June, crude receipts rose by about 9.3 per cent, while domestic PMS receipts fell by 21.7 per cent.

For consumers, the most immediate implication is that the country’s petrol supply system remains dependent on a combination of local refining and imports.

The June data therefore presents a mixed picture: domestic refining received more crude, total petrol supply increased and stock levels improved, but local PMS receipts fell sharply while imports surged.

In the wider downstream sector, diesel supply remained entirely domestic, LPG imports increased dramatically to supplement weaker local receipts, aviation fuel supply declined and gas availability recorded modest growth.

The data underscores the continuing transition of Nigeria’s petroleum market from an import-dependent system to a mixed supply structure in which domestic refineries are expected to provide the bulk of demand while imports fill supply gaps.