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Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production, As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

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Managing Director, NNPC E & P Limited (NEPL), Mr. Nicholas Foucart speaks at the official unveiling of the Utapate crude oil blend during the Utapate Crude Roadshow held on the sidelines of the 2024 Argus European Crude Conference in London, United Kingdom, on Wednesday.

 

 

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation and
economic growth efforts, the NNPC Ltd has officially unveiled its latest crude oil
grade, the Utapate crude oil blend, before the international crude oil market.

It would be recalled that in July, 2024, NNPC Ltd and its partner, the Sterling Oil
Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) Ltd introduced the Utapate
crude oil blend, following the lifting of first cargo of 950,000 barrels which headed
for Spain.

During a ceremony held at the Argus European Crude Conference taking place in
London, United Kingdom, on Wednesday, the Managing Director, NNPC E & P
Limited (NEPL), Mr. Nicholas Foucart described the introduction of the Utapate
crude oil blend into the market as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s crude oil
export to the global energy market.

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“Since we started producing the Utapate Field in May 2024, we have rapidly
ramped up production to 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) with minimum downtime.
So far, we have exported five cargoes, largely to Spain and the East Coast of the
United States; while two more additional cargoes have been secured for November
and December 2024, representing a significant boost to Nigeria’s crude oil export
to the global market,” Foucart told a packed audience of European crude oil
marketers.
He added that since its introduction into the global market, the Utapate crude oil
blend has enjoyed a positive response from the international crude oil market, due
to its highly attractive qualities.
Foucart said the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13, fully operated by NEPL and Natural
Oilfield Services Ltd (NOSL), a subsidiary of SEEPCO Ltd, boasts a huge reserves of
330million barrels of crude oil reserves, 45 million barrels of condensate and 3.5 tcf
of gas.
“We have a number of ongoing projects to increase our production from the
current 40,000bopd to 50,000bopd by January 2025 and 60,000bopd to
65,000bopd by June 2025. Essentially, we are targeting opportunities to increase
production to 80,000bopd by the end of 2025,” Foucart added.He said the Utapate crude oil terminal is sustainable, affordable and fully compliant
with the rigorous environmental regulations and sustainability principles especially
those aimed at reducing carbon emissions and other ecological effects.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NNPC Trading Ltd (NTL), Mr. Lawal Sade
said the pricing structure of the Utapate crude oil blend is similar to that of
Amenam crude as it is a light sweet crude which is highly sought after by refiners
across the world due to its low sulphur content, efficient yield of high-value
products, API gravity and other similarities.
He said in bringing the new crude oil blend to the global market, NNPC Ltd wanted
to optimise value for both its producers and counterparties across the globe.
He added to ensure predictability and sustainability of supply, the NNPC Trading
intends to run a term contract on the Utapate crude oil blend cargoes, principally
targeting off-takers from the European and the US East Coast refineries.
Produced from the Utapate field in OML 13 in Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria, the
Utapate crude oil blend is similar to the Nembe crude oil grade. It has a low sulphur
content of 0.0655% and low carbon footprint due to flare gas elimination, fitting
perfectly into the required specification of major buyers in Europe.
The NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL partnership is also committed to operating in a
manner that is safe, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the local
communities.
The Utapate field development plan, executed between 2013-2019 and approved in
October, included converting wells and facilities from swamp/marine to land-
based operations.
The plan involved a multi-rig drilling campaign for 40 wells and the development
of significant infrastructure such as production facilities, storage tank, a subsea
pipeline and an offshore loading platform to facilitate crude oil evacuation and
loading.

The entry of the Utapate crude oil blend into the market is coming barely a year
after the NNPC Ltd announced the launch of Nembe crude oil, produced by the
NNPC/Aiteo operated Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 Joint Venture (JV).

In a statement by Olufemi O Soneye Chief corporate communications officer NNPCL said the remarkable achievement signals the commitment of the NNPC Ltd to
increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production and growing its reserves through the
development of new assets.

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Nigeria Secures $20bn Shell Investment 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chief Executive Officer of Shell Plc, Mr Wael Sawan, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for creating a healthy climate for investments to thrive and restoring investor confidence.

At a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently, Sawan said Shell is deepening and expanding its investments in Nigeria, and the company is ready, alongside its partners, to invest an additional $20bn primarily because of the robust and bold leadership of the President.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Sawan emphasised that Nigeria, under the Tinubu administration, is one of the countries attracting significant investment from global oil companies.

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Highlighting Shell’s recent investments, such as the $5bn in Bonga North, $2bn in HI, and the gas project to NLNG, Sawan stated that the corporation is committed to long-term investments in the country, underscoring the stable economic environment.

“We have really been in a space where we are very keen to invest in Nigeria. But I would say this has not always been the case.

Your leadership and your vision have created an investment climate over the last few years that, I will be very honest with you, propelled us to invest, in particular, also as we compare to other investments around the world,” he said.

The Shell CEO maintained that “stability in today’s environment will honestly have a premium for corporates because we are investing not for one administration or five or 10 years; we want to invest for 20, 30, or 40 years, and in the case of Nigeria, for many, many decades.”

Speaking on the expansion of Shell’s investments in Nigeria, Sawan maintained that the corporation has also deepened its interest in OML 118, the Bonga Block.

“TotalEnergies was selling, so we bought it because we want to deepen it further. But that, we think, is not enough. We think there is more to invest here, and we understand the vision that you have for the country.

“And so we are indeed working on a project, Bonga Southwest, that could, if we reach an FID stage, see us, with our partners, invest around $20bn in foreign direct investment, half of which will be capital. The other half will be the operating expenses and the like that will come into the country. This will be one of the biggest energy projects in the world,” he explained.

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NLC Deputy President Attends Coronation Ceremony in Daura

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By: Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Anipr.

The National President of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), who also serves as the National Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani, mni, Magayakin Minjibir, attended a grand traditional coronation ceremony held in the Daura Emirate, Katsina State.

Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani, who is also the Representative of the Sarkin Bai of Funakaye, attended the occasion to honour and celebrate his deputy from the North-West Zone.

During the colourful ceremony, Comrade Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna was officially turbaned as the Sarkin Gabas of Daura, an important traditional title within the historic Daura Emirate.

The event was conducted with dignity and deep respect for cultural heritage, attracting a large gathering of distinguished guests from across the country.

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Traditional rulers, labour leaders, government officials, and members of the host community were all in attendance, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

The presence of the MHWUN and JOHESU President, as well as the Deputy President of the NLC, added special prestige and national relevance to the ceremony.

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of combining traditional leadership with public and labour service for sustainable community development.

Comrade Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna was described as a man of integrity, dedication, and selfless service—qualities that have distinguished his career within the labour movement.

These outstanding attributes were cited as key reasons for his selection and elevation to the traditional title.

The Daura Emirate Council noted that his turbaning was based on his proven character, leadership record, and meaningful contributions to society.

Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani congratulated the newly turbaned Sarkin Gabas, expressing pride and satisfaction over the honour bestowed upon his deputy.

He stated that the traditional title would further enhance the Sarkin Gabas’ capacity to unite people and promote harmony and development.

Special prayers were offered for divine guidance and blessings upon the new titleholder.

The congregation prayed for Allah Almighty to grant him wisdom, fairness, and strength to discharge his responsibilities with justice and fear of God.

Residents of Daura expressed joy over the appointment and pledged their full support to the Sarkin Gabas in serving the community.

Participants at the ceremony observed that such traditional recognitions play a vital role in strengthening peace, unity, and social cohesion.

The Daura Emirate was widely commended for the orderly and culturally rich manner in which the coronation ceremony was organized.

In conclusion, heartfelt prayers and goodwill messages were extended to the Sarkin Gabas of Daura, with hopes that his reign would serve as a pillar for progress, peace, and the overall development of society.

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Kano State Strengthens Urban Mobility with Road Safety Awareness: Teaching Children the Language of Traffic Lights

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Parents and guardians continue to shoulder a major responsibility in ensuring that children are properly guided in their daily movement to and from school.

By Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, ANIPR

Beyond providing educational materials and supervision, teaching road safety remains a critical part of nurturing responsible and safe young citizens.

Every day, children interact with busy roads, whether on foot or while being conveyed to school. This reality makes it necessary for parents, guardians, and teachers to consistently enlighten them on how to behave when approaching roads and intersections.

One of the most effective tools for road safety education is a clear understanding of traffic light signals. These signals are universal guides designed to protect both pedestrians and motorists, and their meanings must be clearly understood by all road users.

Teachers play an important role in reinforcing this knowledge within the school environment. By explaining traffic signs and signals in classrooms, children gain theoretical understanding that complements real-life experience.

Parents and guardians, on the other hand, translate these lessons into practice. By guiding children during road crossings and explaining traffic lights in real situations, safety lessons become practical and memorable.

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In support of these collective efforts, the people’s Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf FNISE, has embarked on the construction of additional traffic lights and the renovation of existing ones across major city roads and urban areas.

This intervention has significantly improved traffic regulation and enhanced safety for pedestrians, especially schoolchildren who rely on properly functioning traffic systems for safe movement.

As part of public enlightenment, it is important to clearly understand the laws guiding traffic light signals:

– Red light: A firm instruction to stop. All vehicles and pedestrians must halt and wait patiently.
– Yellow light: A warning signal. Road users should be alert, preparing either to stop or to move depending on their position.
– Green light: Permission to go ahead. For pedestrians, it signals that it is safe to cross; for vehicles, it allows orderly movement forward.

Understanding and obeying these signals reduces accidents, promotes orderliness, and builds discipline among road users. It also ensures that children develop safe habits from an early age.

With the rehabilitation and installation of traffic lights, Kano State’s urban roads are becoming more organized, reducing confusion and improving communication between drivers and pedestrians. Parents can now feel more assured as they send their children to school, knowing that visible and functional traffic lights support safer crossings and controlled traffic flow.

The Governor’s commitment to such meaningful projects reflects an administration that listens to the everyday concerns of the people and responds with practical solutions. Road safety infrastructure goes beyond physical construction; it represents a long-term investment in human life, public order, and sustainable urban development.

By combining parental guidance, educational instruction, and government intervention, a strong culture of road safety is being built across Kano State. Through these deliberate efforts, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf FNISE continues to demonstrate people-oriented leadership, ensuring that Kano State remains a safer place where development and public enlightenment move hand in hand.

 

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