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Tag: Shell

  • Okowa commissions Shell projects in Ogulagha, advocates peaceful coexistence

    Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned 34 projects in Ogulagha kingdom, Burutu Local government of Delta state executed by Shell Petroleum Development Company and its joint ventures partners.

    The projects which were executed through the Global Memorandum of Understanding GMoU of Ogulagha Kingdom Cluster Development Board, OKCDB includes renovated Obotobo 1 Community Town Hall, construction of Obotobo 1 Community Bridge, construction of Obotobo 2 community Corps members lodge, award of 272 scholarships, vocational skill training program for 101 youths/women, among others.

    Governor Okowa who spoke through his Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba enjoined the people to continue to promote peaceful atmosphere to attract more development, adding that his administration will always encourage the development of oil communities through the GMoU model.

    The governor further lauded Shell and its JV partners for the projects, adding that the government will continue to do her best to create the needed atmosphere for companies to do business in all parts of the state.

    Chairman Ogulagha Kingdom Cluster Development Board, OKCDB, Chief Linus Yeinanagbegha thanked the oil giant for her role in the community, recalling that the board was inaugurated in 2015 with funding the following year which enabled it to take off with the project.

    On his part, External Relations Manager of SPDC Mr. Igo Weli who was represented by the Installation Manager, Forcados terminal, Engr. Arthur Owagbedia urged communities to speak against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, adding that the community should continue to promote peace for development to thrive.

    “SPDC JV desires that this cluster thrives, full of rich and varied projects, programmes and businesses designed to address the needs of the community.

    “If Ogulagha kingdom continues to promote peace, safety and growth among themselves and support SPDC JVs sustained uninterrupted production there will be many more social investment projects and programmes that will benefit the people.

    ”I also encourage all stakeholders to speak up against sabotage of facilities because willful damage of company assets, like pipelines, is a criminal act that sadly also has far-reaching negative implications for the people and environment.

    “Sabotage to facilities harms the environment and is also unsafe for those undertaking this dangerous activity. We must speak up against crude oil, vandalism and the attendant damage to our environment,” Weli said

  • Rivers acquires Shell’s 45 per cent stake in OML 11

    Rivers acquires Shell’s 45 per cent stake in OML 11

    Forty-five per cent of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC’s) interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in Ejama and other communities in Ogoni have been acquired by the Rivers State Government.

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike announced the acquisition on Monday in a broadcast titled: “We will continue to advance the state’s interest, security and prosperity of all.”

    The governor promised that the state would ensure that the field comes on stream before the end of next year.

    He said: “I am delighted to inform you that the Rivers State government has fully acquired Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria’s (SPDC’s) 45 per cent interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 situated in Ejama Ebubu Community in Eleme Local Government Area and the adjoining Ogoni and other communities of Rivers State.”

    He said the acquisition followed a High Court order, declaring the state as the purchaser of “the right, title and interest” of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Land/Immovable Property.

    The order was subsequent upon Suit No. filed by one Chief Agbara Isaac Osaro and five others against SPDC, Shell International Petroleum Company Limited Shell International Exploration and Production BV and Government of Rivers State.

    Displaying certified true copy of the order, Wike said: “I directed the Rivers State Ministry of Finance Incorporate to make a bid of USD 150,000,000 ($150 milliom) supported by bank guarantee and cash payment to the Deputy Sheriff in the sum of N1 billion, the later payable to the Judgement Creditors, while the former is escrowed.”

    He noted that the acquisition followed last Wednesday’s order by the High Court of Rivers state declaring the state as purchaser of Shell assets sold.

    “I have further directed the relevant government agencies to take immediate steps to liaise with any financially capable companies to partner with the Rivers State government to ensure that the said oil field come on stream within 15 months from today (Monday).”

    He said the decision was taken with “all sense of responsibility believing that addressing the pains and poverty of our people with resultant security and welfare of the main purpose of governance and nothing less.”

    He described the move as profound economic investment with profound and enduring positive implications on peace, security, development and prosperity for the oil-bearing communities in the OML 11, the entire state and Nigerian in general.

    He said the state was desirous of restarting oil production so that the Federal Government can start reaping from its 55per cent stake in the field, while the state could also be receiving its 13percent derivation funds.

    “In line with our commitment to accelerate development, industrial harmony and security, the Rivers State government will graciously concede some portion of the its four per cent equity interest to all the oil producing communities within OML 11 to enhance mutual ownership participation and sharing in the benefits of these resources,” the governor said.

    He traced the problem of the OML 11 to a major oil spill from SPDC’s Trans Niger High Pressure Crude oil Pipeline at Ejama community, which approximately 255 hectares of arable agricultural land, fishing swamps and rivers devastated.

    Noting that SPDC admitted the spill was from its pipeline in 1970, he lamented that the Anglo-Dutch oil giant failed to de-pollute the area, leading to several lawsuits, which the company lost, including a fresh cases the commenced in 2011, spanning through four different courts.

    He said: “The enforcement cases had been to Owerri, Abuja, Lagos, etc in six different law suits…

    “The judgments of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court were registered in the United Kingdom for enforcement against SPDC parent companies domiciled outside Nigeria’s shores.”

    As the community commenced enforcement of the judgment, Wike said the state government moved to acquire the assets in order to avert another round of deprivation and pauperisation of the people by external buyers.

    “That the present government of Rivers State entrusted in my care through the will of God and those of the peoples of the Rivers State have concluded that it will be in the overall interest of the state, the other federating states and the Federal Government that we as a government, should make a bid for the purchase of the said interest of SPDC now placed on auction by extant Order of the Courts of Law.”

    “That rather than standby and watch other persons or group purchase SPDC 45 per cent interest in that OML 11 and further exacerbate the poverty of the people of the State, a responsible and responsive State Government should weigh in and bid for the purchase of SPDC interest already set down for auction.”

    He went: “That for the past 25 years, the rich oil potentials of OML 11 have remained untapped following the hanging of the world-renown Ogoni poet and environmental activist, Mr. Ken SaroWiwa and the Ogoni 9 as well as the unfortunate mob lynching and death of four prominent Ogoni citizens, one of whom was the Secretary of Government of the Rivers State and another, a Commissioner under the tenure of Lt. Col. Dauda Musa Komo as Governor of Rivers State.

    “That it has become unlikely that for peace and security, the people of Ogoni in the Rivers State will welcome SPDC on their land forming part of OML 11.

    “That the Rivers State government has continued to lose 13 per cent derivation fund from the said 55% stake of the Federal Government in that field for nearly 30 years now, which revenue would have transformed the State and its peoples for the better.”

    Outlining the circumstances that led to the dispute between the communities and SPDC, the governor said it was due to a major oil spill from SPDC Trans Niger High Pressure Crude Oil Pipeline at Ejama community, which ravaged over 255 hectares of arable land, fishing swamps and rivers.

  • U.S. court rejects Exxon, Shell’s bid on $1.8b award against NNPC

    U.S. court rejects Exxon, Shell’s bid on $1.8b award against NNPC

    A United States (U.S.) judge has rejected ExxonMobil Corp’s and Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s effort to revive a $1.8 billion arbitration award against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    The award stemmed from a dispute over a 1993 contract to extract oil near country’s coastline. U.S. District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan cited public policy and due process considerations in deciding not to enforce the October 2011 award against NNPC which was subsequently set aside by courts in Nigeria.

    “While this court may have inherent authority to fashion appropriate relief in certain circumstances, exercising that authority to create a $1.8 billion judgment is a bridge too far,” Pauley wrote in a 50-page decision.

    The firms said last November that the award had grown to $2.67 billion, including interest. Exxon spokesman Todd Spitler said the oil major disagreed with the decision and was evaluating its next steps. Shell and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    “NNPC is very pleased with the decision, and was always confident that there was no basis for a U.S. court to confirm the award,” its lawyer Cecilia Moss said in an interview.

    According to court papers, the 1993 contract anticipated that Exxon and Shell affiliates would invest billions of dollars to extract oil from the Erha field, about 60 miles (97 km) off Nigeria’s coast, and share profits with NNPC. But the affiliates, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co Ltd, accused NNPC of unilaterally “lifting” more oil than was contractually allowed, at the behest of Nigeria’s government, depriving them of billions of dollars of oil.

    Pauley said Exxon and Shell still have “multiple appeals pending” in Nigeria, and rejected their argument that it might be difficult to collect there. Exxon and Shell “executed a contract in Nigeria with another Nigerian corporation containing an arbitration clause requiring any arbitration to be held in Nigeria under Nigerian law, and it then sought to confirm the award in Nigeria,” Pauley wrote.

    “(They) cannot now reasonably complain that (their) efforts to collect will be frustrated in Nigeria.”

    In an Aug. 7 regulatory filing, Exxon said it did not expect the case to materially affect its operations or financial condition. The case is Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd et al v Nigerian National Petroleum Corp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.

  • BREAKING: Court orders Shell to pay $10 million to FIRS

    The Federal High Court in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Friday ordered Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to pay the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, the sum of $10 million as unremitted revenue.

    Details later…

  • Gunmen kidnap Shell workers in Rivers, kill two police escorts

    Armed hoodlums terrorising Ahoada Ndele-Rumuji-Emohua axis of the East-West Road have kidnapped two oil worker in Rivers State, killing two members of their security. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday evening.

    The victims, who were said to be senior staff members of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), are said to be returning from an official trip from neighbouring Bayelsa State when the dare-devil hoodlums struck, killing their police security aide and an escort driver attached to the convoy before whisking them away to unknown destination.

    It was gathered that the Shell convoy was attacked between Rumuji and Evekwu community on Thursday evening while they were returning from Bayelsa State.

    A source in Shell, who preferred anonymity, confirmed that the senior staff members were returning from Bayelsa State at about 4pm with his escort when they were attacked.

    In the same vein, a Coaster bus was equally attacked and the driver killed by unknown gunmen along the East/West Road, particularly at the axis of the road fondly referred to as ‘Sambisa Forest’.

    The driver of the said bus identified as Jonah Sokolo was allegedly shot dead same Thursday and two of his passengers kidnapped.

    A man who claimed to have witnessed the attack told newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday that the driver of the Coaster bus was shot dead after he used the central lock of the vehicle to deny the kidnappers access into the bus.

    The attacks occurred a day after four personnel of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on official duty to enumerate flooded farmlands in the LGA were abducted.

    A fifth NEMA official escaped abduction with bullet injury.

    The spokesman of the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the killings and abductions.

    He said that investigations were already on, adding that the criminals would be fished out soon.

    In a related development, a vigilance group in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of the state, ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), allegedly killed over five cultists in Ubimini community, Emohua LGA of the state.

    A source close to the Emohua community alleged that apart from the five dead suspected cultists, three other members of the group sustained bullet wounds in the attack.

    OSPAC reportedly visited the community, allegedly under the cultists’ siege, following an invitation by a man conducting a burial.

    On sighting the members of OSPAC at the burial venue, the cultists reportedly opened fire on their perceived rival group, resulting in a gun duel that culminated in the killing of the five suspected cultists.

    However, the police in the state could not confirm the cultist fights.

    Omoni said: “I do not know anything about that. I have not been briefed on it.”

  • Buhari orders NNPC to take over operation of OML 11 from Shell, others [Full list of affected firms/individuals]

    Buhari orders NNPC to take over operation of OML 11 from Shell, others [Full list of affected firms/individuals]

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to take over the operatorship of the entire Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

    Buhari gave the order in a letter addressed to the Group Managing Director of NNPC dated March 1, 2019 with reference number SH/COS/24/A/8540 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

    The president in the letter categorically stated that the entire operatorship of OML 11 should be taken over by the NNPC/Nigeria Petroleum Development Company not later than April 30, 2019.

    Buhari also directed that the NNPC should ensure smooth re-entry giving the delicate situation in Ogoniland.

    The letter also directed the management of the NNPC/NPDC to confirm by 2nd May, the assumption of the new operatorship.

    NPDC is the flagship oil exploration and production subsidiary of the NNPC and the liaison office of the company acknowledged receipt of the letter on March 5, 2019.

    The letter sighted by TNG reads in part: ‘Operatorship of Entire Oil Mining Lease 11,’ “Kindly note that the President has directed NNPC/NPDC to take over the operatorship, from Shell Petroleum Development Company, of the entire OML 11 not later than 30 April 2019, and ensure smooth re-entry given the delicate situation in Ogoniland.”

    It added that the President has “directed NNPC/NPDC to confirm by 2 May 2019, of the assumption of the operatorship.”

    OML 11 lies in the southeastern Niger Delta and contains 33 oil and gas fields of which eight are producing as per 2017. In terms of production, it is one of the most important blocks in Nigeria.

    The terrain is swampy to the south with numerous rivers and creeks. Port Harcourt is located in the northwest of the block, while the major yard and logistics base at Onne is located by the Bonny River. The Bonny oil terminal – the largest in Nigeria – and Nigeria LNG (NLNG) are both located at Bonny.

    While there has been no concrete reasons for the presidential order, sources within the Presidency revealed that the move is in keeping with the president’s electioneering campaign promises, to redistribute income and bridge the gap between the extreme rich and the poor.

    TNG reports that the owners/operators of oil block license who may be affected by this development are;

    1 Alfred James Petroleum OPL 302 1991 Adewunmi Sijuade, Goke Sijuade, Adedeji Sijuade, Olayinka Sijude, Adeyemi Osiyemi and Femisola Awosika, with A.O Adeyinka as Chairman

    2 Soglas Nigeria Limited OPL 226 1991 Oscar P. Udoji, P.E Udoji, E.E. Nwosu, with J.O. Udoji as Chairman

    3 NorthEast Petroleum OPL 215, 840 &902 1991 Kommer Complex Limited, Nwokema Ngozi Mbu, Abubakar Jubril and Ashiru B. Aliu, A. Ayankoya with Saleh Jambo as Chairman

    4 Optimum Petroleum OPL 310 1992 R.D. Adelu, Yusuf N’jie and O.A. Aremu with Ibrahim Bunu as Chairman

    5 Sunlink Petroleum OPL 238 & OPL 311 1993 Olaniyi Olumide, Hayford Alile, Samuel Bolarinde, Richard Adelu,
    Martins Olisa, John Brunner and Emmanuel Ojei

    6 Express Petroleum OPL 108 & 227 1995 Ahmade Rufai, Tajudeen Dantata, Dalhatu Gwarzo, Lawan Omar with Aminu Alhassan Dantata as Chairman

    7 Dubril Oil Co. Nigeria OPL 96 1987 B.N. Itsueli, C.A. Itsueli, O.O. Itsueli, A.E. Ihuegbu with U.J. Itsueli as Chairman.

    8 Amni Int. Petroleum OPL 112 &117 1998 &1999 E.C Edozien, Tunde Afolabi with Sanni Bello as Chairman

    9 Atlas Petroleum Int. Nig Ltd OPL 109 1996 Umaru Ndanusa, Ikechukwu Joseph, Mohammadu Murtala with Arthur Eze as Chairman

    10 Consolidated Oil OPL 103, 458, 136 1993, 1998 &2006 O. Adenuga and Ebi Omatsola with Mike Adenuga as Chairman

    11 Oriental Energy Resources OPL 115 1999 Usman Danburan, Jibril Mohammed Indimi with Senior Mohammed
    Indimi as Chairman

    12 Cavendish Petroleum Nig. Ltd OPL 110 1996 Gambo Gubio with Mai Deribe as Chairman

    13 Allied Energy Resources Nig. Ltd OPL 120 & 121 2001 Mickey Lawal as Director with Kase Lawal as Chairman

    14 Peak Petroleum OPL 122 2001 Adekunle Olumide, W. Bolaji, Florence D. Oluokun and Ayodeji Oluokun with M.A. Oluokun as Chairman

    15 Summit Oil Nig. Limited OPL 205 and 206 1990 L.K.O Abiola, Radio Communications Nig. Ltd with M.K.O Abiola as Chairman

    16 Crownwell Petroleum Ltd OPL 305 AND 306 1993 S.K Adejumo with Sair Kuashi as Chairman

    17 Famfa Oil Ltd OPL 216 (OML 127) 1993 Folorunso Alakija

    18 MoniPulo OPL 114, 239, 234, 231 1999, 2008, 2008, 2007 F.A. Agama with O.B. Lulu Briggs as Chairman

    19 Yinka Folawiyo Pet. Company OPL 113 1998 S.T. Folawiyo, T.B Folawiyo with W.I Folawiyo as Chairman

    20 Zebbra Energy Limited OPL 248 2004 S.A. Oloko, Boni Madubunyi, Zimako O. Zimako with A.B.C. Orjiako as Chairman

    21 Oil and Gas Limited OPL 249 and 140 2003, 2006 M.O. I drisu with Reggie Uduhim as Chairman

    22 Continental Oil and Gas Limited OPL 59 1998 Agbolade Paddy, Subair Shefiu with Mike Adenuga as Chairman

    23 Emerald Energy Resources OML 141 2001 J.O. Amaefule,P.L. Caldwell, A.C. Uzoigwe, Amos NUR, C.N. Chieri,
    Akingbe, F.A. Njoku with Emmanuel Egbogah as Chairman

    24 Oranto Petr. Limited OPL 320 2002 Arthur Eze as Chairman

    25 Dajo Oil Limited OPL 320 2004 R.B. Domingo, M.O. Domingo, U.R. Domingo with Domingo Obande as Chairman

    26 Malabu OPL 245 Dan Etete as Chairman

    27 Orient Energy OPL 915, 916 N. Nwawka with Emeka Anyaoku as Chairman

    28 Sahara Energy Exploration OPL 284, 228, 332 2005, 2006 Buba Lawal, Cole Tonye, Odunsi Ade as Directors

    29 Enageed Resources Limited OPL 274 2007 Buba Lawal, Cole Tonye, Odunsi Ade as Directors

    30 Seplat OPL 4, 38, 41 2010 A.B.C. Orjiako and Austin Avuru

    31 Ekcrest E & P Limited OPL 40 2012 Emeka Offor as Chairman

    32 First Hydrocarbon OPL 26 2011 O.A Azazi as Chairman

    33 Neconde OPL 42 2011 Amesi Azudialu, John Umeh, Nnenna Obijesi

    34 Niger Delta Western OPL 34 2012 Olayiwola Fatona, David Richards, P.O. Balogun, T. Omisore

    35 Transcorp OPL 281 2011 Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola, Funso Lawal, Jacob Ajekigbe, Tony Ezenna, Ndi Onyiuke Okereke, Fola Adeola and Nicholas Okoye

    36 Starcrest, Cross River Energy & NPDC OPL 242 2011 Emeka Offor, Chris Garuba

    37 Starcrest OPL 291 Emeka Offor, Gidado Idris, Yzoni Yaw

    38 South Atlantic (SAPETRO) OPL 264 (130) 1998 Miguel Guerrero, Joy Ikiebe, Guerrrero, with T.Y. Danjuma as Chairman

    39 Oando OPL 278, 236 2005, 2006 Magoro, J.A. Tinubu, O. Boyo, M.O. Osunsanya, O. Adeyemo, O. Akpata, Oba Gbadebo, A. Peppe and Appiah Korang

    40 Ashbert OPL 325 Albert Esiri, Ifeoma Esiri

    41 Oil World OPL 241 2007 Gbenga Olawapo, Adekunle Akintola, Ibukun Olawepo, Rachael Akintola

    42 Pan Ocean OPL 98, 275 1976, 2007 F.A. Fadeyi, M.D. Yusuf, S.D. Adeniyi

    43 Cleanwater Consortium OPL 289 2007 Arumeni-Ikhide

    44 Afren Global Resources OPL 907, 917 2005, 2008 Rilwan Lukman, Osmah Shahenshah, Evert Jan Mulder, Peter Bingham, Guy Pass, Bet Cooper, Constantine, Egbert Imomoh

    45 Centrica/CCC/All Bright Consortium OPL 276, 283 2005, Jake Mirica, John Sheers

    46 Gas Transmission & Power Ltd OPL 905 2005 Ahmed Joda, Babangida Hassan Katsina, Makoji Aduku, Abubakar Joda

    47 Global Energy Company Limited OPL 135 2005, 2010 S.A. Onabiyi, M.A. Koshoni, . Anyansho, J.N. Obiago

    48 New Nig. Devt. Company OPL 733,809, 810,722 Northern State governors

    49 Tenoil Petroleum Energy Services OPL 2008 2007 Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola, Funso Lawal, Jacob Ajekigbe, Tony Ezenna, Ndi Onyiuke Okereke, Fola Adeola, Nicholas Okoye, with Elumelu as Chairman

    ALSO to be affected are the Marginal Field Operators listed as follows:

    1 Niger Delta Company Ogbele (OML 54) 1999 Aret Adams, Uduimo Itsueli, Sammy Olagbaju, David Richard, Udi Ibru and Fatona Layi

    2 Prime Petr. Ltd & Suffolk Petr Asaramaroru (OML 11) 2003 MacPepple Henry, Macpepple Joy, Macpepple Emmanuel, Macpepple Elfrida and Macpepple Victoria

    3 Oriental Energy Owok (OML 67), Ebok 2006, 2007 Alhaji Indimi, Usman Danburran

    4 Universal Energy Stubb Creek Field (OML 13/14 2003 Amana Nkoyo, Mianaekere Nelson, Abubakar Hayatou, Mboho Emmanuel, Ekpo Akpan, Inyang Etim (Akwa Ibom Govt.)

    5 Eurafric Energy Limited Dawes Island (OML 54) 2003 Onoh Anthony, Onoh Christiana, Onoh Ngozi, George Udoekong, Nwauche Erastus.

    6 Pillar Oil Limited Umusati/Igbuku (OML 56) 2003 Onosode G.O, Fadahunsi O, Amakiri J., Hassan-Katsina Usman, Tonwe Basife, Obaseki Godwin, Akoyomare Ambrose, Fisher Abayomi, Anaekwena Anthony, Avuru Spencer, Onosode Spencer, Hassan-Babangida.

    7 Bayelsa Oil Company Atala (OML 46) Bayelsa Govt, Brigidi David, Alamieyesheiga Anitonbrapa, Ifimain Ekine, Jonathan Selereipre, Enddeley Francis, Chinwetelu Chris, Willians E.J., Abubakar

    8 Movideo E&P Ekeh (OML 88) Idau Sadiq, Jacobs Kayode, Enahoro Victor, Mohammed Aishatu, Tugger Yusuf, Okwuaive Iyabo, Sadare Raymond

    9 Bicta Energy Ogedeh (OML 90) Adesemowo G.A, Bashir MM, Onumodu Soye, Akinro C.A, Malberbe T. Unejei T.

    10 Guarantee Petrr & Owena Oil Ororo (OML 95) Rufus Giwa, Ayodele Johnson, Fayose Abiodun, Unuigbe Odion, Omobomi Samuel, Rotimi Luyi, Adefarati Tunde, Duyie Korede, Ojo Segun, Ogedengbe Dele, Aidi Abass, Adegbonmire Wunmi, Amoye Mofisco, Ebiseni Sola, Oladunni Solomon, Agoi-George Segun, Akinruntan F.E, Hassan AlGazali, Eburajolo Victor, S.A. Ajayi.

    11 Platform Petroleum Limited Egboma (OML 38) Edmund Daukoru, Avuru Austin, Amachi Moshe, Adegoke Oluwafeyisola, Addo-Bayero Nasir, Ewendu Chidi.

    12 Sogenal Ltd Akepo (OML 90) Funso Lawal, Joda Abubakar, Harriman Hope, Odu Bunmi, Edohoeket Samuel, Yahaya

    13 Chorus Energy Amoji (OML 56) Akerele Chris, Mamman Samaila, Ihetu G.S. Braide Kombo, Banks Nigel, Clubb James, Uhuegbulem Ben, Baba Gana Abba.

    14 Millennium Oil and Gas Oza (OML 11) Ali Chris, Maseli John, Karrs Sastry, Shama Yogi, Igweze Emeka, Bashir Farouk.

    15 Brittania U-Nigeria Ajapa (OML 90) Ifejika Uju, Ifejika Emmanuel, Omu Paul, Otiji Igwe, Ikpeme Ita, Cardoso Tokie, Okonkwo Annie, Inua Mogaji, Mbanefo Louis, Ombu AVM, Horsfall A.K., Ukpong Uche, Ogoro Emomena, Ifejika E.I, Umar Alhaji, Ikpele A.O

    16 Network E & P Qua Iboe (OML 13) Ajose Adeogun Ladi, Akin Alex -Duduyemi, Adewusi Adebowale, Ifode, Gasau Ismaila Musa, John Etop, Olagbede Olufemi.

    17 Waltersmith Petroman & Morris Petr. Ibigwe (OML 16) Isa Abdulrasak, Saleh Danjuma, Utomvie Nyingi, Ita Princess, Okoli Ndubuisi, Kakpovie Anthony, Okpala Eugene, Idrisu Mammudu, Idrisu Lawal, Isokrari Ombo, Nzeakor Nick, Abdulsalami Abdul, Nwabudo Ignatius.

    18 Midwestern Oil & Gas & Suntrust Oil Umsadege (OML 56 ) Igbokwe Ken, Afejuku Anthony, Daultry Akpeti, Sagoe Kweku-Mensah, Gambo Lawan, Oshevire William, Mordi Sylvanus, Maidoh Daniel, Fatayi-Williams Babatunde, Mohammed Waziri, Emerhor Otega, Dublin-Green Winston, Mohammed Abubakar, Oduah Stella, Okafor Ugo and Baba-Ahmed Mouftah.

    19 Independent Energy Limited Ofa (OML 30) Ikelionwu Emeka, Ohunmwangho Steve, Yar’Adua Murtala, Okudu Anthony, Bello Shamsudeen, Obaoye Michael, Monanuma.

    20 Del Sigma KE (OML 55) Amachree Sokeiprim, Ungbuku K.D., Bakut J.I, Chaff Kabiru.

    21 Associated Oil & Dansaki Petroleum Tom Shot Bank (OML 14) Machunga Laraba, Gwadah Bitus, Balat Isaiah, Uzor Azuka, Ibok Udo,
    Uzoechi Isaac, Kadiri Samuel, Afolabi Aderenlr, Yinka Aina

    22 Frontier Oil Limited Uquo (OML 13) Dada Thomas, Lolomari Odoliyi, Kolade Victor, Yisa Solomon, Nwasikeobi, Alechenu Emmanuel, Bello Falalu.

    23 Energia Limited & Oando Prod. Devt Ltd Ebendo/Obodeti (OML 56) Horsfall A.U, Aribeana Stephen, Shawley Cooker, Bello Lawal, Ene Emeka, Afolabi Ade, Coker Sam, Esiri Albert, Dibiaezue Ifeoma, Hammad Charles, Macgregor Olushola, Oando

    24 Goland Petroleum Devt. Company Oriri (OML 88) Kingsley Ngelale, Mogaji Gambo, Slako Johnson, Anthony Dotimi

    25 Excel Exploration & Production Eremor (OML 46) Abiodun Awosika as shareholder.

    26 Sahara Energy & African Oil Ltd. Tsekelewu (OML 40) Baba Lawal, Cole Tonye, Odunsi Ade, Adeniji Titi, Akinla Ladipo

  • Shell mulls development of $10b Bonga field

    Indications emerged on Tuesday that oil giant Shell’s Bonga South West/Aparo (BSWA) deepwater project, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118 in the Niger Delta, is set for development. This is coming on the heels of the output of 200,000 barrels per day from Egina field operated by Total, which began production last month. The BSWA deepwater project, which according to the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, will cost $10 billion with numerous value addition in-country, including job creation, skills acquisition and capacity development for Nigerians. Kachikwu had last year directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) to commence the tendering process for the execution of the project. A top industry source on Tuesday in Lagos said that the stakeholders have to take the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the project and will soon announce invitation to tender for the BSWA project. The source, which was at the stakeholders’ meeting, said: “Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), the deepwater arm of Shell in Nigeria, has concluded OML 18 negotiations with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). “We now have a clear commercial framework, aligned with stakeholders and the confidence to move forward the Bonga South West Aparo FID. This is a key milestone for the project and the development of Nigeria’s deep water oil and gas industry. “SNEPCo is pleased to announce NNPC and its unit partners involved in BSWA development, have reached agreement to on the key commercial terms necessary to move the development forward. “This agreement covers related production sharing contract interpretation disputes. It also sets an incentivizing and fair framework for developing this world class opportunity whilst opening further opportunities in the prolific Nigerian deepwater oil and gas industry. “We look forward to realising the significant benefits to the Nigerian state, the Nigerian deepwater oil and gas construction contractors, their workforce and the investing parties as we progress towards the investment decision, construction and start up. “Following the OML 118 Heads of Terms agreement, we are pleased to announce the release of the BSWA Invitation to Tender, where Nigerian and international companies on the agreed bid list are requested to bid for the various contract packages that make up engineering procurement and construction (EPC) of the BSWA project. “This is an important step that will allow ourselves, the government and investing parties to understand the cost of the project and if within expectation, take the project to a final investment decision.” On when the FID will be taken, the stakeholders identified competitive bidding as the first stage, followed by evaluation and sanctioning activities. “We are now working on details of the plan. We are expecting a very competitive cost. It will become when bids are received, they said when asked about the project cost,” the source said. On April 17, last year, President Muhammadu Buhari attended a meeting with a delegation from Royal Dutch Shell Plc, led by its Chief Executive Officer Ben Van Beurden, in London, where a decision was reached that the oil giant and the NNPC would begin the implementation of projects that have been on the drawing board for several years. The project is expected to add 225,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Nigeria’s production. The BSWA also extends into OMLs 132 and 140, operated by Chevron, where it is called Aparo. The project includes the construction of a new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility. SNEPCo is the operator of the BSWA project with NNPC, Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, Texaco Nigeria Outer Shelf Limited, Star Ultra Deep Petroleum Limited, Sasol Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited as shareholders.

  • Shell, Total shut down four GenCos over mounting gas debts

    Four gas generating companies have shut down production as a result of their failure to pay debts owed two producing companies: Shell Petroleum Development Company and Total and inability to access fresh loans for gas.

    Consequent upon the liquidity issue that has exposed the GenCos to over N1trillion shortfall some of the electricity Generating Companies (GenCos) have resulted to securing credit facilities from commercial banks to sustain their production.

    The Executive Secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Barrister Joy Ogaji, who disclosed this to our Abuja correspondent on phone, said the power plants shutdown production due to lack of access or plans to take loans.

    Asked to mention the four power generating firms that have stopped production, she declined stressing the companies would not want their names mentioned because of the political season.

    She said: “Some of the GenCos that can access loans have resorted to taking loans to buy gas. Others that don’t have access to such loans are shutting down.

    “Shell and Total have shut down some of the power plants that the power plants to pay them, or do not have plans to pay them.

    “From what we get it is about four plants. Some of them don’t want their names mentioned. You know it is political season now.”

    Meanwhile at 6:00 hour Tuesday, power generation was 4,069.90mw.

    It was 4,092.1mw same time on December 29, 2018 and 3,806.0mw at the same on January 2, 2019.

    According to Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the sector generates 7000mw as a result of the N701billion Power Assurance Guarantee.

    But Ogaji had on Monday raised the alarm over the liquidity challenges facing the electricity generation companies otherwise known as Gencos, saying that their current shortfall has exceeded N1trillion.

    Speaking with The Nation on phone, she noted the N701billion Power Assurance Guarantee, which the Federal Executive Council approved for the companies in the first quarter of 2017, has been exhausted.

    According to her, there was a high hope that the Federal Government would make the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) pay at least 80 percent of their invoices which has not materialized.

    She said: “The major problem that the generation companies are facing now is that of liquidity. The N701 billion is over.

    “The government has not succeeded in making the DisCos to pay at least 80% of their invoices.

    “The N701billion got finished in December. We don’t know how the Gencos will survive.”

    Insisting the major problem confronting the companies is liquidity and not gas supply, she noted the GenCos have not exhausted their present allocation of gas to power.

    The inability to pay for the gas, according to her, is responsible for the low utilization of gas.

    Continuing, she said: “We have neither been able to pay for gas nor provide the guarantee.”

    The Executive Secretary, who was asked how the increase in the fine or penalty for gas flaring has affected the supply of gas for power, described the regulation as a welcome development, which does not in any way make any difference in the gas to power.

     

  • Shell announces investment in Assa North Gas Project

    Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has announced the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Assa North Gas Development Project in Imo, a major momentum to the domestic gas aspiration of the Federal Government for increased power generation and industrialisation.

    At peak production, the project is expected to produce 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and will be treated at SPDC JV’s Gas Processing Facility and distributed through the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline network.

    Mr Bamidele Odugbesan, SPDC spokesman, quoted Mr Osagie Okunbor, managing director of SPDC and country chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, as saying this on Sunday.

    Okunbor noted that the project would be a major game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for energy sufficiency and economic growth.

    “This is good news for the SPDC JV and Nigeria as we look to grow the domestic market and optimise our onshore footprints.”

    Okunbor said that the project is key to driving the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ambition of marching away from a mono-economy through diverse industrial growth.

    “It is premier amongst the Seven Critical Gas Projects initiative led by the Ministry of Petroleum and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “Their integrated focus, support and drive were instrumental to this investment decision.”

    Okunbor added that the SPDC JV would continue to explore other areas of support for the expansion of domestic gas supply and continue to make investments under the right conditions.

    SPDC’s Director and General Manager Projects, Mr Toyin Olagunju, said the Assa North project would be a significant contribution to GDP growth in Imo State and across Nigeria as the gas produced will be utilised in-country across diverse industries, while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

    Just three weeks ago, the SPDC JV signed a gas supply and aggregation agreement with Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL) for the supply of about 43million standard cubic feet of gas per day to support the 140MW Aba Integrated Power plant at Ossisioma in Abia State.

    By the agreement, SPDC will supply gas from the SPDC joint venture gas plant in Imo River traversing Abia and Rivers States to the power producer, GPAL, via a gas pipeline network which is already installed.

    SPDC is the operator of a Joint Venture involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which holds 55 per cent; Shell 30 per cent; Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) 10 per cent; and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) five per cent.

     

  • Pipeline vandalism: Bayelsa community accuses Shell of involvement, company denies

    The people of Ikarama in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) have differed on causes of frequent oil spills in the area.

    SPDC operates several oilfields within the Biseni axis of Yenagoa council area which is notorious for frequent oil spills.

    The community has accused the staff of the oil major as being instrumental to some oil spills in the environment, alleging that Shell staff and contractors “make money through oil spillages.”

    Chief Herbertson Lamie, the Paramount Ruler of Ikarama, affirmed the community’s position in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Yenagoa on Monday.

    According to the traditional ruler, the perception that the people were behind the frequent spills was wrong.

    Lamie said that the community had tabled the matter when Robert Petri, the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria visited the community to see firsthand some impacted sites in the area.

    He said that the community had made its position known during a town hall meeting with the ambassador that SPDC had totally abdicated its social obligations in Ikarama.

    The paramount ruler alleged that the oil firm had also devised ways of evading dialogue with the people over issues arising from the oil firm’s extractive activities in the area.

    “Shell never takes us as a host community. Most times, when we have problems and we write to Shell for audience, Shell will never have audience with us.

    “When there is a problem and leaders of the community want to tell them the way out of the problem, Shell would rather ignite the problem.

    “But the most disturbing problem we have is oil spillage in Ikarama community.

    “We have oil spillage problem and this problem is ingnited by Shell staff. Shell is mostly the cause of oil spills in Ikarama community.” lamie alleged.

    Reacting to the allegations, Mr Bamidele Odugbesan, the Media Relations Manager of SPDC, said the oil firm was in the business of producing and selling oil and not spilling it.

    Odugbesan said that the oil firm did not tolerate leaks.

    “We remain committed to our Goal Zero which means zero leak and zero harm to people and environment. Our staff and contractors are bound by this high standard of environmental performance.

    “Our social investment programmes are designed to benefit our host communities in particular and we implement diverse programmes in scholarship.

    ”Also, we engaged in development projects through the Global Memorandum of Understanding and other initiatives within the resources available,” Odugbesan said.