DPR issues award letters to successful marginal field investors May 31

Mr Sarki Auwalu, Director, DPR

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says it has concluded arrangements to issue award letters to successful investors in the 2020 marginal field bid round programme.

The DPR said the letters would be issued at an award ceremony scheduled to hold in Abuja on May 31.

Mr Paul Osu, Head, Public Affairs, DPR, made the announcement in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a marginal field is any field that has reserves booked and reported annually to the DPR and has remained unproduced for a period of over 10 years.

Osu said the successful investors who would be receiving their award letters were companies that had fully satisfied all requirements listed in the marginal field bid round guidelines.

He said this included full payment of signature bonuses within the specified time frame.

Osu said the DPR would continue to provide transparent regulatory oversight for the oil and gas industry to enable business and create opportunities for investors.

NAN recalls that over 600 companies had applied to be pre-qualified for the bid rounds which began on June 1, 2020.

The DPR said the objective was to deepen indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry as well as add to the country’s production and reserve.

According to the regulatory agency, the marginal field bid round programme is also geared to provide technical and financial partnerships for investors. (NAN)

Ikeja Electric distributes free educational materials to mark Children’s Day.

                   

Nigeria’s leading Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric (IE), has restated its support for quality education with the donation of educational materials to Agidingbi Primary Schools, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day.

The company stated that it is in line with its commitment to support efforts in promoting quality primary education and also contribute to the growth of educational sector in Nigeria, through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Speaking during presentation of the items which included books, writing materials and school bags, the company’s Chief Finance Officer, Olubunmi Olukoju, explained that IE came to identify with Agidingbi Primary School, as a way of giving back to the society, in appreciation of their contribution to the progress the company.

“We understand that quality primary education is the bedrock for building leaders of tomorrow, so it becomes pertinent that we lend our support to growth and quality educational development of these children.

 As a socially responsible corporate organization, we will continue to engender opportunities and support platform that will prepare children to excel in their academic pursuits,” she said.

In her response, the elated Head Teacher of Agidingbi Primary School, Ehirim Edith, commended Ikeja Electric for distributing the educational items to their pupils, as this will encourage them in their studies.

 “We are extremely delighted and grateful to Ikeja Electric for coming to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day with our school.” She said.

During the interactive session in the school, the pupils were educated on how to use electricity safely to avoid electrical hazards. 

Olukoju urged the pupils to abide by all the safety tips at all times while enjoying electricity at home, school and anywhere they find themselves.

She discouraged any form of activity near power lines and also advised parents not to carry out any trading activities near electrical installations, especially near transformers and under high tension power lines, to avoid electrocution. 

She assured the children and parents of excellent service delivery across the network coverage areas of Ikeja Electric.

The pupils, after receiving the educational materials, thanked the DisCO, saying “God bless Ikeja Electric”.

  The event was also attended by Afolabi Adeola, Education Officer, Ikeja Local Government  Education Authority, Oluyemi Ayanga, Business Manager, Ikeja Business Unit, Adebimpe Akintola, Brand, Events and PCSR Coordinator, Ayeni Akinola, Community and Media Relations Manager, all from Ikeja Electric and some Ikeja Electric’s employee volunteers.

 

EKEDC Partners with LASG, NDPHC for Electricity Supply Improvement, Signs MoU

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu (Middle); Managing Director/CEO of EKEDC, Adeoye Fadeyibi (Third right); Directors of EKEDC, Dere Otubu and George Etomi (Second and Far Right); Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo (Third Left); Executive Director, Legal Service of NDPHC, Mohammed Mahmud (Second Left); Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote (Far Left) at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve electricity supply in Lagos State on Tuesday ,May 25, 2021 at Lagos House, Marina. 

Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) has partnered with Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) on an initiative to improve electricity supply in Lagos State. 

In an event held at Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday 25th May 2021,  a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to seal the partnership which will improve the quality of supply to parts of Lagos State and other parts of EKEDC’s franchise area. 

This further cements the collaboration between the State, EKEDC and some Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) to embark on extensive mass metering of households in the state in line with the Federal Government’s National Mass Metering Programme(NMMP). 

The signing ceremony for the MOU was chaired by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, and coordinated by Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote. EKEDC was represented by its Managing Director/CEO, Adeoye Fadeyibi and directors, George Etomi and Dere Otubu. NDPHC was represented by its Managing Director/CEO, Chiedu Ugbo, Executive Director, Legal Services, Mohammed Mahmud and advisors, Sola Arifayan and Chukwubuike Onwuzurumba. 

The Governor, in his remarks stated that Lagos State is an interested stakeholder in the collaboration, and that he will continue to check with both EKEDC and NDPHC to follow-up on the progress and ensure proper implementation. 

The Managing Director/CEO of EKEDC, Adeoye Fadeyibi said “As a power utility company, we commend the vision of this administration for power generation and distribution in the State. We also appreciate your acknowledgment of the critical role of power in creating a sustainable city. 

“We are delighted to be partners in this laudable vision of your Excellency to transform Lagos state into the destination for all residential, commercial, and business interests. In alignment with the Governor’s desire for stable and uninterrupted power supply for the state, we announce our partnership with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) which aims to improve electricity supply by close to 400MW to Lagos state. 

Under this partnership, we will explore the modalities for the supply of power from two Power Plants”, he revealed. 

Fadeyibi noted that the partnership aligns with the efforts of the EKEDC to bridge the metering gap and improve the quality of electricity supply to customers. 

He appreciated customers for their immense support for the Company in its quest to continue to empower the quality of lives of all stakeholders. 

The MD/CEO of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo stated that EKEDC and NDPHC have complimentary objectives of ensuring that power gets to the customers, and the investment required to do this is mobilised. 

Both companies’ mutual objective is to work together to deliver the arrangements that will ensure safe, reliable, and steady supply of power to customers in Ibeju-Lekki and other parts of EKEDC’s franchise area.  

The collaboration is significant considering the strategic importance of Lagos State as Nigeria’s commercial capital and host state for key industries in Nigeria. 

Based on this, the companies’ mutual objective is to work together to deliver the arrangements that will ensure safe, reliable and steady supply of power to customers in Ibeju-Lekki and other parts of EKEDC’s franchise area.  

The collaboration is significant considering the strategic importance of Lagos State as Nigeria’s commercial capital and host state for key industries in Nigeria.

 It is also for this reason that that NDPHC and EKEDC are pleased to be signing the MoU in the presence of Mr. Governor, who is himself a key member of NDPHC’s Board of Directors, and whose State, Lagos, is one of NDPHC’s shareholders. (NAN)

 

DPR says alternative dispute resolution centre has successfully resolved first case

Engr. Sarki Auwalu, Director, DPR 

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says the Oil and Gas Alternative Dispute Resolution Center (ADRC) in Lagos has successfully resolved its first case in line with the objective of the Federal Government for speedy resolution of disputes in the industry.

Mr Paul Osu, Head, Public Affairs, DPR made the announcement in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

Osu said four other cases were currently at hearing stage before the ADRC which 

is one of units of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre (NOGEC) inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 He said the ADRC had a six-member Advisory Council and a 20-member Body of Neutrals which was mediating on disputes between players in the oil and gas value chain.

According to him, the setting up of the ADRC is in consonance with the provisions of the Petroleum Act Cap P10 Laws of the Federation 2004 which emphasises the settlement of disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms without recourse to 

litigation. 

"The ADRC has successfully resolved its first case and we have four others pending. 

"This is a positive step for the industry because the objective of setting up the centre is to reduce cost, enhance safety and add value  to the sector.

"With this, we can begin to win investors confidence thereby attracting more investments to the oil and gas sector, " Osu said.

He explained that participating or referring of cases to ADRC was voluntary, adding that it would however be very beneficial to the parties.

It would be recalled that the Advisory Council is made up of the Director/CEO of DPR, Mr Sarki Auwalu (Chairman),  Justice Saliu Said, Justice Cecelia Olatoregun, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) , Mr Daere Akobo and Mr Nicholas Odinuwe.

Eko DisCo embarks on capital projects for improved service delivery

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) says it has begun the execution of its capital projects for the 2021 business year for improved service delivery to its customers.

Mr Godwin Idemudia, General Manager, Corporate Communications, EKEDC, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos State on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently approved the sum of N93.76 billion as the Distribution Companies Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for 2021.

Idemudia said the projects included the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of installations across its distribution network.

He stated that the projects, once completed, would help the company to improve its network, increase reliability and quality of supply.

According to him, it will allow flexibility for evacuation of additional power, address safety issues and relieve overloaded transformers and substations.

Idemudia said some of the projects included the construction and rehabilitation of eight injection substations.

He said: “The projects that fall under this category include the upgrade of Keffi substation, reactivation of NTDA injection substation, Ajah, upgrade of Ajah Local substation and construction of a new Surulere injection substation.

“It also includes upgrade of Trade Fair injection substation, construction of Olugborogun injection substation, Lekki, replacement of failed power transformer at Agbara Injection substation, upgrade of Agungi station for higher capacity.”

Idemudia noted that EKEDC was also projecting to procure 217 500KVA transformers which would be distributed across its 10 districts.

“During the same period, the company has also committed to the construction of five new 33kv feeders that will cut across areas.

Areas such as Surulere, festac, Ojo and Lekki, while 24 33kv feeders at Ikoyi, Lekki, Ibeju, Elemoro, Eleko, Apapa, Orile, FESTAC and Agbara will be rehabilitated.

“About five new 11kv feeders are expected to be deployed to Lekki, Ajah and Ojo to relieve overloaded feeders, while a total of 167 11kv feeder will be rehabilitated across our distribution network,” he said.

Idemudia explained that the implementation of the projects was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to service excellence and fulfil its promise of reliable and consistent supply to its customers. (NAN)

DPR pledges support for 1st floating LNG production plant project

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has pledged support to the hitch-free completion of Nigeria’s first floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production plant.

Mr Sarki Auwalu, Director, DPR gave the assurance at the online contract signing of an agreement by an indigenous oil and gas company, UTM Offshore Limited and its partners on the project on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pre-front end engineering design (Pre-Feed) agreement was signed between UTM and JGC Corporation (UK) Limited.

UTM also signed a contract with KBR Engineering Company for the third-party review of the Pre-Feed deliverables from JGC.

Auwalu said that the DPR had in February, issued a Licence to Establish (LTE) to UTM for the project and that it is expected to be completed in 2025.

He said that the project was in line with the vision of the Federal Government to transform Nigeria into a gas-based economy by 2030.

He noted that the declaration of 2021 – 2030, by President Muhammadu Buhari as the decade of gas, was becoming a solid reality with the commencement of preliminary engineering of this LNG project.

He said the DPR, under the leadership of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, had continued to implement policy and regulatory reforms driven by a commitment to attract investments.

According to him, the reforms will also
create value and improve the contributions of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The DPR will continue to provide opportunities and enable the businesses of promoters and investors in the oil and gas industry for the economic growth, stability and sustainability of Nigerian and for the mutual benefit of all investors and industry participants.

“Our licences, permits and approvals will continue to serve as stimulants for
value addition and enablers of development.

“Please be assured of the Department’s
unflagging support to see you through the successful execution of this landmark project in a safe, cost-effective and timeline manner,’’ Auwalu said.

He added that the DPR would ensure adherence
to laws and regulations, all in a bid to ensure successful development and optimum return on
investment.

The director also called on industry stakeholders to take advantage of the recently inaugurated National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre to promote safety, value and cost efficiency in the sector.

On his part, the Managing Director of UTM Offshore Ltd, Mr Julius Rone, thanked Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for creating an enabling environment for indigenous oil and gas companies to thrive.

Rone expressed optimism that the project would be completed within the stipulated time frame.

He noted that the plant, when operational, would be processing 176MMcfd natural gas and condensate.

He said that it would help create job opportunities for Nigerians and boost the country’s economy.

SERAP decries clamp down on Nigerian media

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to publicly condemn attacks on journalists and media organisations in the country.

SERAP made the call on Thursday in Lagos while unveiling a report entitled “Something to Hide?: Media Freedom Under Siege in Nigeria”.

DPR TV programme returns to the screen

 Engr. Sarki Auwalu, Director, DPR

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says its television programme will return to the screen from Monday, May 3,2021.

A statement issued on Monday in Lagos by Mr Paul Osu, Head, Public Affairs, DPR, said the programme will be aired on all Nigeria Television Authority ( NTA) channels, DSTV 251, STARTIMES 104 and GOTV, parts of  African countries and Europe.

Osu said the 13 episode programme slated to air at 6.00pm  was designed to deepen stakeholders understanding of the roles and responsibilities of DPR as well as provide update on global oil and gas industry matters to viewers. 

"The programme will showcase how the Department has continued to use its service instruments of licences,  permits and approvals to enable buisness and create opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria," he said.

Osu said the DPR would continue to guarantee investments,  enable participation and authorise activities in the oil and gas industry in alignment with the aspirations of government to provide energy security for the nation and create jobs for Nigerians. (NAN)