PIB to attract adequate funding for new investments – Total

By Solomon Asowata

Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. says the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will provide the stability needed to attract adequate funding for new investments, particularly in Deep offshore and Gas Development sectors.

Mrs Tai Oshisanya, Executive Director, Finance and Control, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, made the assertion on Thursday
at the 2021 Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) in Lagos State.

The lecture was organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council.

The theme of the lecture is entitled “Operational Excellence and Portfolio Optimisation, Way Forward for the Oil and Gas Industry Post COVID- 19.”

Oshisanya said the Nigerian oil and gas industry was facing challenges of insecurity and uncertainty in the fiscal and regulatory environment.

She added that the problems happened due to the delay in the passage of the PIB currently before the National Assembly.

According to her, the result is loss of new investments in the industry and difficulty in obtaining funding for projects.

She said: ” Not only do new projects require low carbon emissions, they must also be profitable with favorable fiscal terms that preserve value of present assets and assure future investments.

“Capital is not static – it drifts to where there is stability and certainty. Nigeria has to be competitive.

“Therefore, we as an industry welcome government’s enthusiasm to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law this year.

“It is vital that the bill provides the stability needed to attract adequate funding for new investments, particularly in deep offshore and gas development sectors.”

Oshisanya said that the world and the energy industry had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She added thatTotal had adapted to the new reality through staff dedication, strict cost considerations and robust planning.

She said: “We have been able to keep our operations running smoothly and growing our production levels.

“We will continue to partner with our host communities by supporting projects in crucial sectors which include environmental conservation, health, education, power, infrastructure and economic development.

“We will continue to train and develop Nigerians using numerous societal impact interventions including skills acquisition programmes and our Young Dealers Scheme. (NAN)