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Rivers Host First Modular LPG Plants … As FG Commissions Project

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1 year ago

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The Green Energy and Lekoil Joint Venture (JV) have built a 12-million cubic feet gas extraction plant and 20-megawatts gas power plant at the Otakikpo field in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The two key gas and power infrastructure projects, originally developed by Green Energy and Lekoil Joint Venture (JV), marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s gas sector.
The projects are envisioned to actualize Nigeria’s vision for adopting gas as the transition fuel of choice, and lolespecially as the global discussion of energy sustainability gathers momentum.
Giving highlights of the project, Chairman of Green Energy International Limited, Operator of Otakikpo field, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe, explained that the inauguration of the twin projects was the realiszation of the firm’s commitment to the federal government to implement a pilot project of the World Bank Gas Flares Reduction Programme (GFRP), based on Small Scale Gas Utilization Programme (SSGUP).
Adegbulugbe explained that the idea was to provide a unique model that ensures oil exploration from the field that not only eliminates gas flares, but ensures that associated gas is monetized through utilisation for domestic gas, power generation and other products in the value chain for the economic advancement of the host communities and the nation generally.
Adegbulugbe, who explained that the field was awarded to Green Energy International Ltd. in 2014 by the Federal Government, however, expressed regret that the project suffered over 20 months of setback with the COVID-19 pandemic which shut down the entire world.

“But by the grace of God, the Joint Venture undaunted by the unexpected set back at a huge cost overrun, rebounded, and by January last year, we started a test run. At completion, the two projects cost the JV over $60million”, he explained.

He added that the installation and operations of the plant was implemented 100 per cent by Nigerian young men and women who cut across a wide spectrum of professional backgrounds with significant number from the Niger Delta and Host communities.

“The workforce are managed by a set of world-class professionals at the board and management levels”, the Green Energy International boss declared.

Adegbulugbe lauded the cooperation of the technical partner, Lekoil Oil and Gas Company, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Olalekan Akinyanmi, saying, “Upon entering into a partnership with us, the company aligned with our vision, and we have jointly achieved this successful outcome”.

Also speaking, the Lekoil boss, said the event marked a significant milestone, not just for Lekoil and Green Energy International, but for Nigeria’s energy future.

He said, “The commissioning of the Otakikpo LPG Extraction Plant and the 20MW Gas-to-Power Project is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and unwavering commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

“From the very beginning, our partnership has been anchored on a shared mission to unlock the full potential of the Otakikpo Field, harness our nation’s vast gas resources, and drive economic transformation through reliable power generation.

“What we see here today is a direct result of that synergy. Together, we have demonstrated that when companies align their strengths, expertise, and ambition, we can deliver innovative solutions that benefit not just our stakeholders, but the communities and industries that rely on us”.

He also expressed gratitude to Green Energy International, their partners, the government, and all those who contributed to making the project a reality.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, while commissioning the projects, said coming on stream of the projects is pivotal for actualising Nigeria’s vision for adopting gas as the transition fuel of choice, especially as the global discussion of energy sustainability gathers momentum.

Ekpo, who commended the joint venture on the initiative, said the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to him was to drive the development of the gas sector in the country, with a dedicated and strategic focus on development of Nigeria’s natural resources (gas), noting that Nigeria ranks eight in the whole world and largest in Africa with 33 percent of Africa gas reserve.

The Minister said, “The creation of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) by Mr. President reflects the foresight and wisdom of Mr. President in ensuring a dedicated and strategic focus on development of our natural resources (gas).

“It is gratifying to observe that the joint venture has made significant strides in complying with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 particularly your establishment of the distinct midstream entity First Otakikpo Midstream Limited (FOML), to manage the gas business.”

Ekpo assured that the Tinubu-led administration would remain committed to supporting the JV’s aspirations as they continue to expand their investment blueprint within Nigerian gas sector, saying; “Another remarkable and commendable milestone worthy of recognition is the development of the 20 megawatts gas to power generation plant which I understand is being deployed to support your rapidly expanding field operations”.

According to him, the excess power generated from the power plant would be made available to local industries through the establishment of an industrial park targeting agro-allied ventures, small and medium scale enterprises and the surrounding communities.

Lady Godknows Ogbulu

 

 

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Pipeline Explosion In Abua Odua, LGA Chair Calls For Calm

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3 weeks ago

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July 3, 2026

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Fresh explosions have hit oil and gas pipelines in Odau Community, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, triggering a major security and  environmental crisis that has forced residents to abandon their homes.
The first incident occurred  along the Kolo Creek – Rumuekpe crude oil pipelines, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
This was followed by a gas pipeline explosion on the Ogboinbiri – Obirikom Gas Pipeline, operated by Oando Plc, in the same week.
In a statement by the Abua/Odual Council Chairman, Hon. Owolobi Michael Ofori said  the blasts, suspected to be the handiwork of militants, have unleashed persistent gas leakage in the area, raising fears of fire outbreaks and toxic exposure as residents of Odau have largely deserted the community due to the dangerous situation.
According to him, some residents of the area have been hospitalised after inhaling the leaking gas, adding that the impact has spread to neighbouring communities, including Obedum, Emirikpoko, and Anyu in Abua/Odual LGA, as well as Oruma and Ibelebiri in Bayelsa State.
Hon. Ofori expressed deep concern over the plight of the affected residents and urged the operating companies to act swiftly.
The Council expressed its deepest sympathy to all affected persons and communities and remained gravely concerned about the safety, health, and welfare of residents whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by these incidents.
“We call on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Oando Plc to immediately deploy all necessary technical and emergency response resources to contain the fires, halt the gas leakage, secure the affected pipeline corridors, and mitigate further environmental and public health risks.” the Council Chairman Said.
The chairman also appealed to the two oil firms to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and relief materials to the displaced residents while work continues to restore normalcy.
The Council Chairman said he is working closely with security agencies and emergency responders to monitor the situation and coordinate necessary interventions.
The Council Boss advised Residents of the Local Government Area to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and adhere strictly to safety directives.
Ofori further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Government, and other relevant bodies to intervene urgently to prevent  loss of lives and environmental damage.
Hon. Ofori assured that the council remains committed to the protection and welfare of its people and will continue to engage all stakeholders to resolve the crisis.
Enoch Epelle
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Fidelity Bank Collaborates YEIDEP To Empower Nigerian Students

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3 weeks ago

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July 3, 2026

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Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through a strategic partnership with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills, support and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Under the partnership, the bank will support the enrolment of students and young people into the YEIDEP programme, which is designed to tackle youth unemployment, promote enterprise development and expand economic participation among Nigeria’s growing youth population.
The next phase of the initiative is scheduled to end today at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where the enrolment exercise for students and youths across the South-East that started since July 1st would be concluded at the university’s Convocation Arena.
The exercise is expected to reach more than 60,000 regular undergraduate students.
Speaking on the partnership, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head, Product Development, Osita Ede, said youth empowerment remains central to the bank’s vision of building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
He noted that Nigeria’s youths represent the country’s greatest asset and stressed that providing them with the right skills, opportunities and financial support is critical to unlocking their potential and driving national development.
According to Ede, the bank continues to provide young Nigerians with tools for success through its digital banking platforms, financial literacy initiatives, youth-focused products and strategic partnerships.
He added that Fidelity Bank recognises that limited access to funding, mentorship and business development support remains a major challenge for many aspiring entrepreneurs, and is committed to creating pathways that will help them overcome these barriers.
The bank said its support for YEIDEP aligns with its longstanding commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which it described as key drivers of economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.
Interested students and youths have been encouraged to open Fidelity Bank accounts and register for the programme through the bank’s dedicated online portal.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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NPA Launches Multi-Agency Taskforce To Combat Apapa Traffic Gridlock

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3 weeks ago

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July 3, 2026

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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock choking the Lagos Port access roads, in a fresh push to restore seamless cargo evacuation and sustain recent gains in Port efficiency.
The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of  NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23rd, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.
At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions as major factors responsible for the renewed congestion along the port corridor.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the task force comprises the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).
“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the Port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.
He stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.
To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.
On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.
He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending completion of the procurement process.
He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon.
Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to maintaining free-flowing Port access roads, Onyemakara said efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s Port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.
“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest,” he said
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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