Business
Oando PLC Makes Historic Acquisition Of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Reshaping Nigeria’s Oil And Gas Landscape
In a landmark transaction valued at $783 million, Oando PLC has successfully acquired 100% of the shareholding interest in Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian energy giant Eni. The deal marks a significant expansion of Oando’s upstream operations, effectively doubling the company’s reserves and increasing its participating interests in several key oil fields.
The acquisition includes a 100% shareholding interest in NAOC, strengthening Oando’s participating interests in four key oil mining leases (OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63) from 20% to 40%. This expansion solidifies Oando’s ownership in all NEPL/ NAOC/OOL Joint Venture assets, encompassing 40 discovered oil and gas fields, 24 of which are currently producing, along with a vast network of infrastructure including 1,490 kilometers of pipelines and three gas processing plants.
Commenting on the completion of the transaction, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC, described it as the culmination of a decade-long strategic effort. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of ten years of toil, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the realization of our ambition since the 2014 entry into the Joint Venture via the acquisition of Conoco-Philips Nigerian Portfolio. It is a win for Oando, and every indigenous energy player, as we take our destiny in our hands and play a pivotal role in this next phase of the nation’s upstream evolution.”
The transaction also marks a significant increase in Oando’s reserves, adding 493.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) to bring the company’s total reserves to one billion barrels. This development is expected to be immediately cash generative, contributing significantly to the company’s cashflows and future financial performance.
Read also : Nigerian Banks’ Upgrade Chaos: A Call for Customer-Centric Solutions
Oando’s acquisition is not only about expanding production but also about ensuring sustainable development and responsible practices, Tinubu remarked, as he said, “Our immediate focus is on optimizing the assets’ immense potential, advancing production and contributing to our strategic objectives. This we will do while prioritizing responsible practices and sustainable development in ensuring a balanced approach to our host communities and environmental stewardship.”
As Oando assumes the role of operator for these assets, the company is also looking to the future with plans to diversify within the broader energy sector, as Tinubu highlighted Oando’s intention to explore opportunities in clean energy, agri-feedstock, energy infrastructure, and mining, reflecting the company’s commitment to long-term growth and value creation for its stakeholders.
Business
Nigerian Banks’ Upgrade Chaos: A Call for Customer-Centric Solutions
Nigerian banks’ rush to upgrade their core banking systems has caused confusion and frustration for many customers. With banks upgrading to more secure software, the lack of communication and customer support has left millions unable to access their funds, sparking questions about the bank’s commitment to customer welfare.
Dr. Uju Ogubunka, President of Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN), emphasized the severe impact of these disruptions, stressing the need for better communication and customer preparedness during such transitions. Banks must strike a balance between technological upgrades and customer service to retain trust, especially in an economy facing devaluation pressures.
Read Also:
Oando PLC Makes Historic Acquisition Of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Reshaping Nigeria’s Oil And Gas Landscape
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Business
Echoes Of Unfulfilled Promises In Nigeria’s Journey
As Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence anniversary, the stark contrast between celebration and the persistent challenges of corruption, mismanagement, and unfulfilled promises becomes evident.
The editorial revisits historical attempts at reform, such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission’s (ICPC) prosecutions and the House of Representatives’ inquiry into the unfulfilled $14.5 million aircraft repair contract. Many of these initiatives have faded from public memory, leaving questions about accountability unresolved.
High-profile corruption cases, including the Halliburton scandal involving alleged bribes of $180 million, highlight systemic failures within the political landscape.
The editorial emphasizes the need for collective action from citizens, civil society, and the media to demand transparency and accountability. It warns that without addressing these entrenched failures, Nigeria’s path toward democracy and good governance may continue to be fraught with unfulfilled promises.
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Business
Global Competition Claims Scotland’s Oldest Refinery: Grangemouth To Close In 2025
In a significant blow to Scotland’s energy sector, the 100-year-old Grangemouth refinery is set to close in 2025, citing its inability to compete with modern plants in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The refinery’s operator, Petroineos, announced the closure, which will result in the loss of 400 jobs.
Located in Scotland, Grangemouth refinery has been in operation since 1924, making it the country’s oldest and only refinery. However, despite its rich history, the refinery has struggled to remain competitive in the face of mounting global competition. Petroineos, a joint venture between PetroChina Internation al London (PCIL) and INEOS Group, a British chemicals firm founded by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has invested $1.2 billion in the refinery since 2011.
However, the company has incurred significant losses, totalling over $775 million during the same period. According to Petroineos, the refinery is currently losing around $500,000 per day and expects a $200 million loss in 2024.
The company’s Chief Executive, Frank Demay, stated that the market for petrol and diesel fuels is expected to shrink further due to the upcoming ban on new petrol and diesel cars within the next decade. “Grangemouth is increasingly unable to compete with bigger, more modern and efficient sites in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Due to its size and configuration, Grangemouth incurs high levels of capital expenditure each year just to maintain its licence to operate,” Demay explained. The closure of Grangemouth refinery marks a significant shift in the global oil refining landscape, with modern and efficient plants in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East gaining a competitive edge. The Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, one of the largest refineries in Africa, may have contributed to the decline of Grangemouth refinery.
The refinery will be converted into a fuel import terminal, ensuring Scotland’s energy needs are still met. However, the closure raises concerns about the country’s energy security and the impact on local communities.