The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Benin Section is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Biennial Technical Symposium 2024, held on April 25th and 26th, 2024. This year’s symposium focused on the theme: “The Role of Emerging Indigenous Players in Addressing Crude Theft and Underfunding for Energy Sustainability in Nigeria.”
Keynote Address:
Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC E & P Limited, delivered an insightful keynote address on the theme, highlighting the critical role of indigenous players in combating crude theft and addressing underfunding for energy sustainability in Nigeria. Mr. Foucart was ably represented by Olalekan Abiola, Executive Director of Production and Asset Management at NNPC E & P Limited.
Panel Sessions:
The symposium featured two engaging panel sessions:
Panel Session 1: Innovative Financing Models for Indigenous-Led Projects in Nigeria
Panelists:
– Adegbite Falade, CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc
– Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner of Development & Production, NUPRC
– Ahmed Buba Saidu, Executive Director of Exploration Services, NNPC Energy Services
Moderator: Olalekan Abiola, Executive Director of Production and Asset Management at NEPL
The panelists explored various innovative financing models aimed at supporting indigenous-led projects in Nigeria’s energy sector. Adegbite Falade, CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc, emphasized the importance of leveraging private investment and exploring alternative funding sources to drive project development. Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner of Development & Production at NUPRC, highlighted the role of government policies and incentives in attracting investment and mitigating financial risks for indigenous players. Ahmed Buba Saidu, Executive Director of Exploration Services at NNPC Energy Services, shared insights on public-private partnerships and collaborative financing mechanisms to foster sustainable project funding. Moderator Olalekan Abiola facilitated discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with innovative financing models, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships and risk-sharing agreements to promote investment confidence and project viability.
Panel Session 2: Gas Pipeline Network Backbone as an Enabler for Indigenous Players in the Nigeria Gas Market.
Panelists:
– Yakubu Abba, Executive Director of Gas Development at NEPL
– George Kalu, SPE Board of Trustees Member
– Henry Menkiti, COO of Asharami Energy Limited
Moderator: Adedamola Adegun, Deputy Manager of Commercial Gas & Non-Oil at NEPL
The panelists deliberated on the significance of developing a robust gas pipeline network backbone to support the growth of indigenous players in Nigeria’s gas market. Yakubu Abba, Executive Director of Gas Development at NEPL, highlighted the strategic importance of infrastructure development in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources. George Kalu, SPE Board of Trustees Member, emphasized the role of regulatory frameworks and industry collaboration in facilitating pipeline network expansion and ensuring market access for indigenous players. Henry Menkiti, COO of Asharami Energy Limited, shared insights on innovative pipeline financing models and technological advancements to enhance pipeline integrity and efficiency. Moderator Adedamola Adegun led discussions on the challenges of pipeline infrastructure development, including right-of-way acquisition, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance, while underscoring the transformative impact of a well-connected gas network on Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Overall, both panel sessions provided valuable insights and actionable recommendations for addressing key challenges and unlocking opportunities for indigenous players in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Technical Papers:
The symposium also featured technical papers presented by industry professionals and academia, addressing the concerns of the theme. These papers provided valuable insights and solutions to the challenges faced by emerging indigenous players in the Nigerian energy sector.
In conclusion, the SPE Benin Biennial Technical Symposium 2024 served as a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among industry stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, panelists, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of this event. We look forward to continuing our efforts towards advancing the sustainability and growth of the Nigerian energy industry.