As Nigeria continues to promote energy efficiency with natural gas as key driver to achieve her energy transition goals, key stakeholders in the sector would be discussing prospects of the country’s huge gas resources in actualizing set targets.

Other key agencies of government have also signified their acceptance to participate in the 2025 Oriental News Nigeria national conference where the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) as keynote speaker at the conference would highlight benefits of gas as the country’s transition energy source.

The conference will be chaired by former Power Minister and chairman of the indigenous power company, Geometric Power Limited (GPL).

STANMEG Communications, publishers of Oriental News Nigeria Online, one of Nigeria’s most influential Online platforms confirms NLNG as keynote speaker at its 2025 National Conference on Sustaining Gas Utilization Towards Achieving Nigeria’s Energy Security.

The main Theme of the conference is “Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potentials Into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives”

The conference is also focusing on key Sub Themes, which include

…..Enhancing Energy Security And Efficiency Through Effective Gas Utilization

……Evaluating Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainable CNG Adoption in Nigeria’s Transportation Industry

………. Building Local Content Synergy’ between the Insurance Industry and Oil and Gas Sector.

The event holds on 24th July, 2025 at Radisson Blu,  GRA Ikeja Lagos at 9am.

Meeting Nigeria’s domestic energy needs remains one of the most significant challenges to sustainable development and economic growth. Only half of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens currently have access to energy, and with the population set to double by 2050 universal access is a huge challenge.

Nigeria has proposed to ramp up gas production, utilization and export, with the aims of supporting industrialization, boosting domestic energy supply (for power, cooking and transport), and increasing government revenues.

Whether ramping up gas utilization is feasible, or indeed the appropriate approach to achieving Nigeria’s energy supply and economic ambitions, is uncertain.

Every year Oriental News Nigeria, undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most influential and reliable news channels brings stakeholders together to discuss pivotal topics around the economy.

Being the 4th in the series, the 2025 Oriental News Nigeria conference is bringing key industry figures, experts and policy analysts to evaluate various aspects of natural gas initiatives put together to drive the national economy.

Government is quite aware that what is certain is that global pressure to transition away to cleaner energies and defund fossil fuel projects complicates the process of realizing that goal and could lead to wasted investments that jeopardize the economic and energy security of Nigerians in the future.

But weak legal and regulatory frameworks, big infrastructure gaps, a non-cost-reflective pricing regime and host community conflicts have made the domestic gas sector uncompetitive and unattractive to investors. This, in turn, has left gas reserves underexploited, especially more expensive non-associated gas which represents half of Nigeria’s reserves.

Implementation of reforms by successive governments through the 2008 Gas Master Plan the (GMP), the 2017 National Gas Policy (NGP) and other instruments have proven slow. With the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the legal, fiscal and regulatory framework of the gas sector has been strengthened with the creation of dedicated regulators, a dedicated minister, provision of third party access to infrastructure, and other improvements. But many gaps remain.

Thus the Decade of Gas Policy launched in 2021 to address the limitations to achieving domestic gas-based industrialization and economic prosperity, and reduce energy poverty, faces greater challenges.

Also, as a response to the high cost of petrol and the attendant rise in the cost of transportation, following the removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential CNG Initiative to provide a cheaper and cleaner energy source for Nigerians.

It is based on the above initiatives and pace setting policies that we have developed a theme and sub-themes to examine and evaluate those policies by key government agencies, including key stakeholders in the industry.

Apart from examining the role of gas initiatives boosting power sector growth, the sub-themes is evaluating the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as preferred fuel for the transport industry.

Road transport is the dominant mode of transportation in Nigeria, moving over 90% of internal goods and passengers across the country; hence it is the highest contributor to the nation’s GDP amongst other sub-sectors.

However, from all we could glean, road transport is predominant in the Nigerian transport sector. This entails an excessive use of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs), hence, an immense contribution to CO2 emission through the combustion of petroleum-based products like PMS, AGO and ATK; relatively small amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are emitted during fuel combustion, though.

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has revealed that Nigeria boasts of an estimated 11 million vehicles traversing its roads.

Globally, the transport sector is a major source of CO2 pollution in the atmosphere, with a global contribution of about 7.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emission in 2020. About 20% of the global CO2 emission is contributed by Surface transport.

We reviewed the various sub-sectors of the Nigerian transport sector with their corresponding energy consumption rates. Results show that all the sub-sectors are solely dependent on fossil fuels to meet their energy demands and requirements, thus making the transport sector the highest consumer of fossil fuels, and consequently, the highest contributor to carbon footprint.

This necessitates the need for gradual decarbonisation of the sector, but not at the expense of the nation’s economy, since the transport sector contributes about 3% of the nation’s GDP.

During the conference there will be Panel Discussions on the following sub themes

1. Adaptation of Renewable Energy Policy and Gas Utilization Strategies In Power Generation Sector

2. Evaluating Decade of Gas Policy and Broad Spectrum of Gas Utilization Strategies

3. Reinforcing CNG, LPG Strategies in Addressing Emissions and Climate Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use in the Transport Industry.

  4. Building Local Content Synergy’ between the Insurance Industry and Oil and Gas Sector.

The conference promises to be highly interactive and with such great collaboration and shared commitment of stakeholders the outcome will not only achieve the country’s objectives but also set a precedent for other nations to follow.

Yemisi Izuora

Publisher/Editor

Oriental News Nigeria

By Amaka Obiefuna

The latest batch of undergraduates from Nigerian universities have commenced their Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo,) using the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and skills in the oil and gas industry.

The 28 interns drawn from 17 universities, will serve for six months and gain valuable insights on the operations of a company which pioneered the development of a new generation of Nigerian professionals in the deep-water sector when it started production at Bonga in 2005.

“We’re pleased to continue with efforts to grow indigenous talent in deep-water oil and gas operations through the work placement programme,” said SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams. “The programme offers exciting opportunities for young talents to grow their potentials in the oil and gas industry”

The interns, some of whom are also recipients of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC-SNEPCo scholarship programmes, have been speaking about their hopes and ambitions in the scheme.

A resident of Maiduguri and student of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maiduguri, Ayuba Haruna, who was displaced by the security crisis in the Northeast, won the NNPC-SNEPCo scholarship award in 2023, and is now an intern. He said: “NNPC-SNEPCo’s investment in education and young Nigerians like me has not only changed my life — it has given me purpose, direction, and a chance to build a better future.”

“I’m stepping into this role ready to learn, contribute, and be part of something truly bigger than myself,” said Kester Chukwumezie, a student of Electronic and Computer Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Two interns, Miss Ulan Andrew and Joseph Agom have been beneficiaries of the NNPC-SNEPCo National Cradle to Career and university scholarships. Miss Andrew, who is studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Ilorin, described the internship as “truly a dream come true and the opportunity of a lifetime.” Joseph, a student of Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, said: I’m deeply grateful to be a product of Shell’s long-term investment in education, and now part of the next generation learning from the very best.”

Another intern, Miss Oluwehinmi Oluwayemisi, a student of Industrial Mathematics/Computer Science at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, expressed gratitude for the “amazing opportunities” offered by the scheme.  

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme is just one aspect of the investments in education by NNPC SNEPCo and Co-venturers, which include scholarship awards and donation of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities to tertiary institutions.

Over 600 undergraduates have benefitted from the NNPC-SNEPCo National University Scholarship Award since its inception in 2016, while 32 ICT projects have been donated to secondary schools and universities around the country since 2007.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) successfully organized a capacity-building workshop on Group Life Assurance Policy in Abuja. The event brought together stakeholders from government ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance understanding and implementation of the policy.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Mrs. Oyekunle Patience, emphasized the importance of insurance in safeguarding public servants’ welfare and ensuring financial security for their families. She commended President Bola Tinubu for renewing the annuity policy and applauded NAICOM for initiating the training.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, represented by Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and assured participants of NAICOM’s commitment to transparency and accountability in policy implementation.

The workshop aimed to equip civil servants with knowledge and tools to effectively manage and benefit from the Group Life Assurance Policy, a critical component of the Federal Government’s welfare package. The event marked a significant step in strengthening life insurance policy implementation across the federal civil service, reinforcing the government’s dedication to employee well-being.

In a swift response to the recent flood that tragically displaced many families in Mokwa, Niger State, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated food packs to over 1,500 affected residents through its Food Bank Initiative.

The Fidelity Food Bank Initiative is a humanitarian outreach designed to help vulnerable communities across Nigeria. Through partnerships and collaboration with its branches and stakeholders, the bank delivers food packs to those in need, helping to ease hunger and provide hope during difficult times.

Commenting on the donation, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, said: “At Fidelity Bank, we believe corporate citizenship means standing by communities in their greatest time of need. We are honored to support the people of Mokwa through the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative. This is more than just a relief effort — it’s a affirmation of our promise to always be there for the people and communities we serve, especially in challenging moments.”

He added: “This donation reflects our collective responsibility to respond with compassion and urgency. The people of Mokwa are not alone — we share in their struggles, and we will continue to support them as they rebuild their lives.”

The distribution event was well attended by government officials from Niger State, led by the First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago. Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi Gbatamangi; and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yusuf Sadiq. Other members of the delegation included the Commissioner for Budget & Planning, Alhaji Mustapha Ndajiwo; Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Hannatu Jibril; and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Barrister Mairo Mamman Mann.

The Commissioner of Information, Hajiya Binta Mamman, and Alhaji Ayuba Usman Katako, representing the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Niger State, alongside various Local Government Chairmen, were also present to show their solidarity with Mokwa and its people.

The Fidelity Food Bank donation in Mokwa follows similar initiatives in areas affected by disasters. The bank previously donated food and sanitary items to victims of a fire outbreak in Taraba State and provided cash and food to those affected by the Zaria Central Mosque collapse in 2023.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.