fbpx
Connect with us

Opinion

Clean Energy Transition In Africa:Five Takeaways From The SPE Lagos Technical Symposium

Published

2 years ago

on

Haruna Muhammad

 

The clean energy transition has been a trendy topic from Lagos to Los Angeles, Davos to Darussalam, and Abu-Dhabi down to Aukland. Industry captains and leading state actors champion campaigns and roll out strategic plans to accelerate the clean energy transition. Today, this is not breaking news: leading multinational oil and gas companies have expanded their portfolios to accommodate non-fossil fuels and enable the clean energy transition. For instance, in Paris, on May 28, 2021, Total switched to TotalEnergies. While giving out why Total changed its name to TotalEnergies, the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanne, said, our ambition is to be a world-class player in the energy transition [1].

In Nigeria, in line with the Federal Government’s ‘decade of gas’ initiative, a global leading energy company, Shell, in November 2021, unveiled Shell Energy Nigeria with the sole aim to increase natural gas marketing and sales to meet up with ever-growing energy demands and, of course, accelerate the energy transition in the country and world at large [2]. An article by McKinsey, “The big choices for oil and gas in navigating the energy transition,” provided an insight into how companies are responding to the low-carbon emission transition [3].

Without much rhetoric, one can deduce how the big players in the energy industry are committed to reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the energy transition. This is in line with the UN Paris Agreement 2016, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To fulfill this, all global economy functions must be committed and will be required to reduce emissions in the next ten years (10) years coming.

Malaria:FUD Researchers Discovers Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides

While the rest of the world’s continents are rolling out plans to meet up the UN Paris Agreement, the story of energy transition in Africa wears a different systemic symbol. This is because of the continent’s long-term quest to address energy poverty. Stakeholders and business heads are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. It is a confusing story for Africa because people don’t know where they are transiting to, all courtesy of ravaging poverty, insecurity, and energy crisis. For Africa, energy transition is a story on papers, while the reality of the situation is near unattainable.

The SPE Lagos Technical Symposium, on the other hand, provided an intellectual discourse to bring together energy professionals and stakeholders to discuss energy transition. In Africa, Nigeria is known for notorious gas flaring. Nigeria joins nine other countries that account for 75% of the global gas flaring, as stated by the World Bank during the Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report 2022 published on the bank’s website [4]. Thankfully, the stakeholders are taking impressive actions to address that to save the planet from the dangers of climate injustice.

The symposium, graced by seasoned oil and gas professionals, was held on the 18th and 19th May 2022 in hybrid formation. Based on over two (2) hours long panel discussions of Africa’s energy transition, here are the five takeaways from the panelists:

1. Hon. N.J. Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Mr. Ayuk, a strong advocate for African entrepreneurship and the indigenous energy sector, spoke passionately about Africa’s possible ways to the energy transition. From the way he started the conversation, you would be amazed by his depth of knowledge and experience. He said: You cannot decarbonize something that is not even carbonized. Mr. Ayuk centered his argument on the need for strong financial institutions and funding within to drive changes in the African energy sector. In his closing remarks, he added that stakeholders should look inwards and invest in gas because it is the future. He also called for a change of policies and more gas to power projects that will create jobs and address climate injustice in the African region. Africa should be on the supply side of the global economy not otherwise, he noted.

2. Victor Bandele, Deputy Manager, Deep Water Assets, TotalEnergies, Nigeria
Mr. Victor, an industry leader, intelligently talked about challenges in the policy framework in Nigeria and how oil and gas wells are being mismanaged. Riding on that point, he added that, in the early days of oil and gas exploration, most gas wells were left untapped by only focusing on oil-major wells. This act of mismanagement is hunting the energy sector in some countries in Africa. He said we need to deliberate on what we want to do. Africa should champion big projects that will attract investors. The seasoned professional further highlighted the need to expand energy access in Africa via exploring gas wells and solidifying transformational agendas by the stakeholders in what he termed a balanced approach. To achieve this, gas infrastructure will network across the African region, which will be utilized for domestic purposes. He also noted that you could not build on the future energy unless you’ve initial energy. The only way to reduce carbon footprint in Africa is by significantly drilling more gas wells over oil wells. This way, he exclaimed that Africa’s quest for ending energy poverty is attainable.

3. Mr. Kamel Ben – Naceur, the President, Society of Petroleum Engineers International
Mr. Kamel, as an international authority, spoke about SPE’s goals to complement the sustainable development goals of the UN by pointing out that energy transition policies vary from developed economies to developing economies. Moreover, Kamel talked about the SPEi’s plan to collaborate with sister organizations to create a CO2 Assessment tool for CO2 storage. Despite experiencing low investment in six years due to sensitivity of the global market concerning the political events, he said, the oil and gas industry has now witnessed a significant increment in investment by 20%. Finally, Mr. Kamel admitted that Africa has a vital role to play when it comes to the energy transition.

4. Proscovia NABBANJA, Chief Executive Office, Ugandan National Oil Company
The CEO shared her country’s mission to explore opportunities and investments in the Ugandan energy sector. Through strategic project planning, the government has attracted suitable investments. Mrs. Proscovia further discussed the country’s goals in exploring opportunities in non-fossil fuels.

5. Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration, Gambia National Oil Company
Cany Jobe, who carries over 14 years of work in energy projects in West Africa, shared her views on balancing the energy mix. She spoke passionately about Africa should drive her energy transition framework. She rhetorically asked, what we are transitioning from (?). The discussion should be around solving energy poverty in Africa rather than energy transition. In her final remarks, she said that Africa’s energy sector faces financial constraints, and it is not feasible to achieve energy transition without optimizing energy production. If you haven’t gone through it (energy poverty), she said you have no right to talk about it.

In Africa, energy poverty reigns. This is the only continent of the world with a massive gap between modern energy access in the rural and urban areas. According to a report [5], “A clean energy revolution in sub-Saharan Africa is urgently needed to win the fight against energy poverty. Clean energy provides a golden thread to deliver on the promise of Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement”.

While the Sub-Saharan African region becomes a hub of energy poverty, efforts are underway by both states and federal governments at different levels to address the problem. In all, relevant stakeholders must work extra-hard towards addressing the energy crisis because there is ample opportunity in solar and power, which are cheaper than coal in some countries. This will generate more job opportunities and accelerate the energy transition.

Written by Haruna Inuwa, Energy Professional from Lagos state, Nigeria.

Reference
[1] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/total-nigeria-plc-changes-name-to-totalenergies-marketing-nigeria-plc-official/#:~:text=Energy%20transition%3A%20Total%20changes%20name,five%20in%20renewables%20by%202030.

[2] https://www.shell.com.ng/media/2021-media-releases/shell-unveils-shell-energy-business-in-nigeria.html

[3] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/the-big-choices-for-oil-and-gas-in-navigating-the-energy-transition#:~:text=The%20primary%20technologies%E2%80%94renewable%20power,all%20represent%20potential%20growth%20markets.

[4] https://punchng.com/nigeria-nine-others-account-for-75-global-gas-flaring-world-bank/

[5] https://www.oecd.org/environment/cc/climate-futures/Achieving-clean-energy-access-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf

Related Topics:

Opinion

As Prominent Nigerians Pour Encomiums on the Late Sidi Ali-Dembo

Published

14 hours ago

on

April 28, 2024

By

Late Sidi Ali

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

I was not in my regular station in Minna as I took a brief trip to Abuja for an all important matter. In the night of Thursday, 25th April, 2024, I was reading in the news that Alhaji Sidi Ali had passed on. Innalillahi waiina ilaihi rajiun

He was the father of the current Spokesperson of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs). According to the news, he was among second Republic Parliamentarians.

Many mourners have trooped to his residence at the NNDC Quarters,Hotoro GRA, Tarauni local government area of Kano State for condolences. He was buried on Friday 26th April, 2024.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf in a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa described late Ali as a trusted public servant who made sacrifices to ensuring that Nigeria remains a united and indivisible country. The Governor acknowledged the positive contributions of the deceased as a Senator in the Second Republic in shaping the Parliament and the overall development of democracy in the country. He extended condolences to his families and prayed for those he left behind to have the courage to bear the loss.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the late author describing him as a creative writer. Part of his condolences reads: “I am pained by the demise of the noted journalist, author, and politician, Sidi H. Ali, who won my heart and that of many through his critical writings and the two books he wrote about me.” The former President equally expressed his condolences to his family and admirers.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin has extolled the virtues of the deceased, saying he contributed immensely to the development of the country in both political and media spheres.

Commission of inquiry to hold inaugural sitting Monday

According to a statement from his Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir the deputy Senate President describes Ali thus: ” The death of our late elder statesman,Alhaji Sidi Ali,is not a loss to his immediate family alone, but a monumental loss to the country as a whole.He served our country meritoriously in different capacities and displayed his wealth of talent for the unity and growth of the nation.”

Barau was at their Hotoro GRA residence in Kano to commiserate with his family and urged them to remain united, and emulate the good virtues of their late father.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement described late Sidi Ali as a respected veteran journalist, prolific writer, and a politician whose contributions to the field of journalism, literature, and politics have left an indelible mark. He added that Alhaji Sidi Ali, throughout his career, exemplified high standards of professionalism and integrity and provided invaluable insights with historical references into the pressing issues of time.

The minister said that as the nation mourns the loss of Alhaji Sidi Ali, his wisdom, compassion, and dedication to his craft would continue to inspire generations to come.

In the words of Senator Shehu Sani, the mournful message reads:
“I received the sad news of the demise of a renowned Elder statesman, author, journalist, politician and historian, Alhaji SIDI ALI. Apart from Tafawa Balewa and Sardauna of Sokoto, no other Northerner was closely known by historic figures and World leaders in the 60s and 70s like the late SIDI. The late Elderstateman was personally known by President JF Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, Kwame Nkrumah and many others.
The late Sidi Ali was a human library and a prolific writer. He was one man who could recall every event that happened in Nigeria’s history from independence till date. A great loss. My condolences to his family and the good people of Kano State.
May Allah grant him Aljanna firdausi, Amin.”

In the same vein, Lauretta Onochie, the Former Personal Assistant to Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, on her Facebook post also mourned honourable Sidi Ali. According to her, he was a great journalist, a great writer and a father to her.

One of his daughters said “Baba was a people’s person , he loved people generally across all strata. A humanitarian to the core.
A true Nigerian.
We grew up wearing clothes from MKO Abiola, Oloye Olusola Saraki, and many others”

According to a family source”The late Senator Joseph Tarka family and the people of Benue state were at the deceased residence on a condolence call. The Sidi Ali family and the Tarka Family have a long standing decades of close relationship. Senator Joseph Tarka is the father of the SGF”.

The former Registrar/Chief Executive National Examinations Council NECO, and the current Vice Chancellor, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu University,Kano Professor Abdulrashid Garba also paid a condolence visit to the family.

Professor Hannatu Sabo, the Jigawa State Commissioner for finance, budget and planing also visited personally to sympathize with the family. Alhaji Sule Lamido, the former Jigawa State Governor,
Former Minister of State for works and Housing, Hon Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub , Senator Gumel,
A member of Federal House Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and others in the National Assembly from Kano State,Former Senator Aminu Inuwa, Professor Dandago,Kano Commercials ,traders and Academic communities were also fully represented during the condolence visit.

The elder statesman spent years serving the Nigerian International Press Centre, Ministry of Information and National Broadcasting Commission, among other critical institutions.

He travelled wide and his vast experience influenced his affection for journalism and communication. Ali authored 19 books, one of which is “Corruption in High Society”

According to Daily Trust Newspaper (27th April, 2023) “Ali was born in Kano but travelled to Ghana, where he met the country’s political leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who arranged for him to travel to London, and later, the United States to further his education”

In his 2018 birthday message, Former President Muhammadu Buhari established that Ali spent most of his life serving the country as a public affairs officer, “most remarkably for ensuring accurate and balanced information on government activities during and after the civil war.” (PR Nigeria news)

Personally, based on what I have read about late Sidi Ali, one can conclude that he was a fearless and pragmatic writer. It was reported that he was arrested by the regime of General Yakubu Gowon for writing an article against the Federal Government. A good writer is always sensitive and can’t look away when things are not properly done. To me, a coward can’t be a writer. The responsibility of an average writer is to use his pen to draw the attention of leaders to social anomalies in the society with a view to correcting them.

Honourable Sidi Ali was an APC Stalwart and a member of party’s Elders Committee in Kano State. He died at the age of 86 and was survived by children and grandchildren. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah firdaus.Ameen

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

07037813177

Continue Reading

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

6 days ago

on

April 23, 2024

By

Governor Ganduje

 

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

 

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

Published

7 days ago

on

April 22, 2024

By

Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

Continue Reading

Trending