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Shell, Six Others Commit N9.8tr To Fund Local Contractors
As part of strategies to boost indigenous companies’ participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, Shell Exploration and Production Companies in Nigeria, five reputable banks and an American international financial institution have pulled together $6billion (approximately N9.8trillion) as funding commitment for local medium and large scale enterprises desirous of adding internal value to the lucrative industry.
First Bank Nigeria, Access Bank, CITI Bank Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank, as well as DLR Integrated Business Services, which provides international financing and procurement services for local content providers, are partnering Shell joint venture to ease indigenous companies’ access to critical funds to finance huge procurement and manufacturing contracts in the oil and gas industry.
The Tide gathered that each of the five prestigious banks have dedicated $1billion to fund local contractors while DLR Integrated Business Services, with head office in New York, United States, has guaranteed $1billion international financing and procurement window, with a solid commitment to link Nigerian contractors with big-time equipment and products manufacturers as an instrument of facilitating sustainable partnerships for growth.
Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu said last Saturday in Port Harcourt while launching the Shell Contractors Support Funding Scheme that the initiative derives from the success of the year-old N4.5billion Shell Kobo Fund for community contractors.
Sunmonu said that the $6billion SME support funding commitment would enable local contractors to leverage hard-to-access international financing for big procurement and manufacturing contracts, adding that “this initiative will place Nigerian contractors at the front line for quality service delivery in the oil and gas industry.”
According to him, “in 2010 alone, Shell awarded contracts worth more than $947million to Nigerian companies” while “in 2011”, the company upped “the value of contracts to local contractors to $1.4billion”, representing about 93 per cent of the overall number of contracts and amounting to about 68 per cent of value of contracts awarded to third parties to date.”
He said that in the past, “financing of projects has traditionally been a major challenge to contractors’ growth and participation in the delivery of goods and services to the oil and gas industry,” and hoped that with the new dedicated fund, “financing difficulties will be greatly reduced.”
“The banks have committed to relaxing the collateral security requirement, reducing interest rates and establish their competitive advantage so as to become global players,” Sunmonu stressed, adding that he was looking forward to a day when Nigerian contractors will become major services suppliers to the Shell Group.”
While thanking the banks for partnering Shell to provide this launching pad for indigenous contractors, the Shell Nigeria chair charged participating local companies to play by the rules and apply the funds to agreed-upon projects while commending the Federal Government for initiating positive the reforms in the industry, particularly the local content law, pledging Shell’s commitment to fostering greater opportunities for Nigeria and Nigerians in the oil and gas industry.
In his remarks, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa catalogued the pioneering role Shell was playing in developing local content in Nigeria, saying that “if other international oil companies (IOCs) commit just 50 per cent of what Shell is investing in developing local content, Nigeria oil and gas industry would lead the way in helping the Federal Government achieve its Vision 202020.”
Represented at the event by Engineer Gina O. Gina, the NCDMB boss challenged other IOCs to emulate the giant strides Shell was making in assisting government and Nigerians realise the vision of indigenous inclusiveness and participation in the industry as a veritable means of restoring peace and investors’ confidence while creating more jobs, wealth and sustainable prosperity in the country.
Also speaking, the Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Morrison Fiddi, pledged the commitment of the joint venture partners to create enabling regulatory and operating climate for local companies in the industry to thrive and compete more favourably with their global counterparts.
The GGM, who was represented by Joseph Ehijiator, lauded Shell for the initiative, and appealed to indigenous companies to leverage the funds to increase their contributions to national development.
In their separate speeches, representatives of the partnering banks expressed untiring commitment to the scheme, pledging the unleash their global financial reach and capacity in ensuring that local contractors working for Shell access required funds to finance any contracts in line with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) guiding the initiative.
Responding on behalf of participating contractors, Managing Director, Skyward Resources Limited, Hon Enahoro Eta, showered encomium on Shell for the opportunity, and expressed optimism that the fund would enhance their participation and ability to deliver required services in-country.
Highlight of the event was the signing of the MoU for the scheme by Sunmonu on behalf of Shell while First Bank’s Group Head Energy, Institutional Banking, Olalekan Adelekan; Vice President Eastern Region Global Subsidiaries Group, CITI Bank, Theresa Evuleocha; Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi; Deputy Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Ade Adeola; and President, David L. Ross & Associates, David L. Ross, signed on behalf of their financial institutions.
Nelson Chukwudi
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo