The NNPC Limited has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.

The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Limited/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions. The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.

Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services. The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.

The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Limited’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.

In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Limited communities.

“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.

The outreach emphasised the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.

The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Limited operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.

A vessel on arrival in Futtsu Japan to deliver NNPC Shipping Limited’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes to Japan and China on Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis, recently.

In line with its strategic vision to be a dynamic and reliable global energy supplier of choice, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has commenced shipment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes to Japan and China on Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis.

NNPC Limited achieved the milestone through the collaboration of two of its Downstream subsidiaries – NNPC LNG Limited and NNPC Shipping Limited – which delivered its first DES LNG cargo from the 174,000m³ LNG vessel Grazyna Gesicka at Futtsu, Japan, on 27^th June, 2024.

Since then, it has expanded its footprint to China with the delivery of one LNG cargo on DES basis.

Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) is an international commercial term that requires the seller to deliver the products/goods at a specific port. The seller takes responsibility for the shipping and insurance for the products/goods until they get to the specified port of delivery. It requires expertise and a higher level of efficiency to execute than the Free on Board (FOB) system.

NNPC has been involved in LNG trading since 2021 with its first LNG cargo sale in November of that year. It has since traded over 20 cargoes into the European and Asian markets on FOB basis.

Speaking on the development, the Executive President, Downstream, Mr. Dapo Segun, said: “The DES system, apart from being more financially rewarding, allows NNPC inroads into the downstream segment of the LNG sector and positions it to capture more market shares while building in-house capacity and ensuring that global customers are familiar with the NNPC brand”.

The collaboration between NNPC LNG Limited and NNPC Shipping Limited in executing the LNG supplies on DES basis has strengthened the latter’s position as a world class shipping provider in the LNG sector.

“NNPC Shipping intends to build a shipping portfolio (including owned vessels) so that we can provide our sister company and other clients all the shipping flexibilities they need”, Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, enthused.

NNPC LNG Limited, in collaboration with NNPC Shipping Limited, is scheduled to deliver at least two more LNG cargoes to the Asian market on DES basis by November. Many more orders are expected before the end of year.

The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 and its astonishing success in resetting oil and gas industry spending and in-country capacity development was the fulcrum of a presentation by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe in Windhoek, Namibia.

Speaking on the theme “Local Content and Sustainable Inclusive Economic Growth” at the 2024 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, Engr. Ogbe noted that recent discoveries of hydrocarbon deposits have increased the oil and gas reserves of the continent to about 126 billion barrels of oil and about 614 trillion cubic feet of gas.

He pointed out that the adoption of local content policy for the oil and gas industry and or other resources is “one veritable means through which African countries can ensure that the utilisation of our resources will translate to energy security, economic development, and industrialisation of the continent,” drawing on the Nigerian experience for illustration.

According to him, since the enactment of the NOGICD Act in 2010, Nigeria has recorded significant achievements, which include “the creation of over 30,000 direct jobs, over 15 million training manhours, award of over 90% of contracts to Nigerian-owned businesses, utilisation of the expatriate management system to ensure 80% of oil companies’ management positions are held by Nigerians, growth of successful indigenous operators who are now responsible for the production of more than 60% of Nigeria’s domestic gas requirements and over 15% of crude oil production, to mention a few.”

In totality, he noted, “As at the end of 2023, we have reached Nigerian Content level of 54% and we are committed to achieve the set target of 70% by 2027.”

Engr. Ogbe, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile Esq., shared NCDMB’s experience as a regulator responsible for deepening and driving local content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, noting that “a successful local content policy must entail the deployment of six (6) key parameters, namely, regulatory framework, gap analysis, capacity building, funding and incentives, research and development, and access to market.

According to him, “a law, or decree depending on the political arrangement in a country, sets the framework and boundaries for all local content practitioners.” In Nigeria, the NOGICD Act of 2010 is the regulatory framework that drives local content policy.

A structured capacity-building intervention, he stated, is also necessary to foster the development of in-country capacities and capabilities, while gap analysis is to ensure that baseline and periodic gap evaluations are carried out to ascertain the human capacity and infrastructure deficits which will then form the basis for developing initiatives, projects, and programmes that will seek to close the identified gaps.

The NCDMB boss emphasised the importance of research and development, which he noted would facilitate the development of innovative solutions to address peculiar challenges that are being experienced in a nation’s oil and gas industry. In addition, local companies require incentives and low-interest, long-term funds to be able to develop their capacities which will, in turn, enable them to compete favourably in the oil and industry.

He equally underscored the necessity for access to market as developed capacities and capabilities need patronage to be sustained. A market, within a country and across international boundaries, is imperative for the potential benefits of enhanced capabilities to be maximised.

A robust local content implementation framework that serves as a blueprint, spelling out how local content policy will be implemented, also has to be in place. Five key components of the framework, as instituted by the NCDMB, are Analysis, Guidelines and Regulations, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Feedback Mechanism.

Faithful adherence to these provisions accounts significantly for the success of local content practice in Nigeria.

NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited’s (NSML’s) Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) has made history by becoming the first training centre in Africa to receive the highly sought-after accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA).

This groundbreaking achievement allows the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) to deliver and issue certificates for the STCW 2010 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations courses, placing it among globally recognised maritime training institutions.

The UK MCA, an agency under the UK Department for Transport, is renowned for regulating maritime standards and safety worldwide. Its accreditation is often referred to as the “Gold Standard” in maritime training, a mark of excellence that underscores the quality of the MCOE’s programmes.

Reacting to the accreditations, NSML’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, said achieving this certification was no easy feat as the centre underwent a rigorous two-year review process, during which it was thoroughly evaluated against stringent international standards.

He emphasised that the accreditation confirms that the MCOE’s courses are not only in line with global best practices but also crucial for enhancing maritime safety, modern navigation, and operational efficiency.

Mr. Abdulkadir K. Ahmed expressed immense pride in the certifications, stressing that it was a significant milestone for both NSML and the maritime industry in Africa.

“Earning the UK MCA accreditation is a testament to the high standards we maintain at the MCOE. The accreditation has been a key objective for the MCOE since its inception. This accreditation allows us to offer the accredited courses, not just to our crew but to seafarers across Nigeria and beyond. With this milestone, we expect that seafarers will no longer need to travel overseas to renew their certifications, leading to significant savings in both travel and recertification costs. This achievement aligns perfectly with our growth and sustainability goals, positioning the MCOE as a fully-fledged, advanced maritime training centre, accredited to provide top-tier training and competency development programs for seafarers in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

The newly accredited courses are vital for seafarers globally, as they are mandatory for those aiming to advance their careers and ensure safe operations at sea. With this accreditation, NSML’s MCOE is poised to become a leading hub for maritime training in Africa.

This landmark achievement strengthens the status of NSML and MCOE as industry leaders and sets a new benchmark for maritime training in Africa.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited  (NNPC) has provided updates on its crude oil exploration activities in the Northern part of the country, reiterating its commitment to achieving the Federal Government’s aspirations in the frontier basins.
“The company has been actively drilling in basins in and around Northern Nigeria, as a result of the need to increase oil exploration in the country’s frontier basins”.
This was contained in a publication authored by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Limited, Olufemi Soneye, who noted that “this is a strategic engagement that NNPC Limited will not compromise on.”
Soneye pointed out that the NNPCL is intensifying its patriotic efforts, making significant progress, and advancing considerable prospects to make do its promises to Nigerians.
Soneye, added that the discovery and exploration of crude oil in the north will not only appear as a dream pursued, but as an economic reality to boost oil production as  well as deepen the strength and efficiency of the petroleum industry value chain in Nigeria.
He said: “NNPC Limited, in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, is leaving no stone unturned to continue oil drilling projects in the North after decades of exploration in other basins.
“With crude oil reserves of more than 37 billion barrels and the 6th largest world producer, the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani River II Well on the Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Basin, in the north eastern part of the country will only accentuate the prosperity and growth of Nigeria in the comity of nations.
“It is therefore untrue for naysayers or sceptics to claim that NNPC has halted the search for oil in Nigeria’s inland basins. On the contrary, NNPC Limited is intensifying its patriotic efforts, making significant progress, and advancing considerable prospects to make do its promises no matter whose ox is gored.”
While stating  that the NNPC Limited would not suspend its inland basins oil and gas exploration activities, as some have suggested, he quipped that “Instead, the company is intensifying efforts to expedite the process and ensure the efficient exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in these areas, thereby contributing to national energy security
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) has assured that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, oil exploration in the northern of the country is on course.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPC Limited, made this clarification in a recent publication   noting that  the company  in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is leaving no stone unturned to continue oil drilling projects in the North after decades of exploration in the South.
He emphasised that the company is currently active in the inland basins of Nigeria with some  drilling projects including Wadi-2 Appraisal/Exploratory Well in OPL 732 and Ebenyi-1 Exploration Well in OPL 826.
According to him, the Wadi-2 Appraisal/Exploratory Well in OPL 732 in Borno State, within the Chad Basin, was spudded on November 4, 2023, and drilled to a total depth of 12,050 feet.
He noted that the drilling phase concluded on June 29, 2024 and the preliminary results from the geological evaluation of the well objectives led to post-drilling well testing, which began on July 4, 2024, and is ongoing.
“This testing aims to further evaluate the target reservoirs for the occurrence of a commercial accumulation of hydrocarbons and to obtain data for future field development,” he stated.
On Ebenyi-1 Exploration Well in OPL 826, which is situated in Nasarawa State within the Middle Benue Trough, drilling began on July 17, 2023.
“The 17½” hole section was drilled and cased to a depth of 3,449 feet. The drilling operations faced challenges due to issues with the hole and equipment breakdowns. The turnkey contractor is finalising plans to replace the drilling equipment with newer models to continue drilling operations to the planned total depth of 14,250 feet”, Soneye stated.
On the Kolmani River where in 2019 1 billion barrels of oil reserves and 500 billion cubic feet of gas was discovered, Soneye said the defunct Frontier Exploration Services (FES) of NNPC Limited drilled three wells—Kolmani River-2, Kolmani River-3, and Kolmani River-4—in the Upper Benue Trough (northeast Nigeria) on its and its partners behalf.
He said the drilling campaign confirmed the presence of commercial hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani field of OPLs 809 and 810.
He noted that the rig that drilled the wells was subsequently moved to start the Nasarawa project, with the goal of replicating the success achieved in the Kolmani field.
“In collaboration with co-venturers, we are  working towards the next phase of field development. The post-exploration planning takes time to meet regulatory requirements before the development phase can commence. Significant infrastructure projects are currently underway to facilitate the movement of heavy-duty equipment for the next project phase in the area.
“NNPC Limited has not and will not suspend its inland basins oil and gas exploration activities, as some have suggested. Instead, the company is intensifying efforts to expedite the process and ensure the efficient exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in these areas, thereby contributing to national energy security”, Soneye stated.
The NNPC Limited spokesman said the current leadership of the company  is committed to addressing every gap within its purview including infrastructural issues associated with the oil and gas industry such as gas shortages for power supply, pipeline protection and maintaining the uninterrupted provision of petroleum products across the country.
“For clarity, the NNPC Limited, under the chairmanship of Chief Pius Akinyelure and managerial leadership of Mele Kyari, is well-positioned to capture the economic opportunities associated with developing and selling hydrocarbons in a resource rich country like Nigeria. These benefits are to be equitably distributed across society and create wealth for human capital development and capacity building.
“It is to further achieve this sufficiency that, under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC Limited is fully aligned with the federal government’s ambition to accelerate economic growth and diversify the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“This is being achieved through timely, credible, clear, and consistent policies. Since taking charge in July 2019, he has driven significant organisational renewal and greatly improved NNPC’s performance and long-term viability. The board and Kyari have been the driving force behind ambitious business growth and have instilled a new commercial mindset throughout the company’s entire value chain”, Soneye said.
He said Kyari’s leadership style  has revitalised NNPC Limited workforce even as the company continues to attract the interest of business partners, customers, suppliers, and shareholders noting that since its transition to a commercial entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and in line with the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA) provisions, NNPC Limited has consistently delivered value despite its unique operational challenges
Soneye said in addition to thus, the company has maintained steady growth.
“For the first time in 43 years, NNPC declared a profit. From a loss of N803 billion in 2018, the company reduced this to just N1.7 billion in 2019. Remarkably, in 2020, NNPC posted its first-ever profit of N287 billion, which grew to N674.1 billion in 2021, and by the end of 2022, it had soared to N2.548 trillion.
“In our 2023 Audited Financial Statement, AFS, we declared a net profit of N3.297 trillion for the fiscal year, indicating an increase of 28 percent (over N700 billion) compared to the N2.548 trillion recorded in 2022. The N3.297 trillion profit declared for 2023 is very symbolic as it is the highest ever to be recorded since inception, 46 years ago.
“In terms of asset growth, we have moved from N13,300 billion in 2019 to N15,836 billion in 2020; N16,262 billion in 2021; N58,652 billion in 2022; and N246,816 billion, in 2023,”  the NNPC spokesman said.
He added that NNPC Limited will continue exploration in the north so that it can sustain  this type of excellent financial performance and gains for its investors and Nigerians at large noting that “the more strategic explorations we make, the better for all of us.