Ekiti moves to curb perennial flooding - NaijaAgraNet

NaijaAgroNet: 

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Saturday disclosed that his administration has commenced dredging of major water channels in the state in a bid to prevent perennial flooding in the state, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Governor Fayemi disclosed this in a chat with journalists shortly after inspecting flooded areas in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Ikere-Ekiti Eporo and Ogbese.

Several communities were affected by flooding following Friday night’s heavy down pour. These include: Oke Osun in Ikere Ekiti, Olujoda zone 1 (Ado Ekiti), Ureje (Ado Ekiti), Elemi Afao road Ado Ekiti and Ogbese in Ise-Orun local government.

Dr Fayemi who empathized with the victims of the heavy flooding which overran some bridges and flooded some homes and farm lands promised government’s support for the victims, adding that his government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that perennial flooding is completed curbed in the State.

He assured that government would provide succour for those who were rendered homeless by the flood.

While warning citizens against indiscriminate disposal of waste in the drains, the governor urged them to imbibe the maintenance culture and desist from acts that are capable of endangering the society. He added that anyone caught disposing waste in the drains would face the wrath of the law.

Fayemi stated that government had desilted blocked drainages in virtually all parts of Ado Ekiti, the State capital so as to give room for free flow of water and forestall flooding, but lamented that some citizens have not stopped dropping refuse in the drains.

“This government prioritizes the welfare of citizens. We cannot fold our arms and watch people lose lives and property to flood. This was why we embarked on the de-silting of blocked drains and the dredging of blocked waterways. For us as a government, we are committed to a safe environment. Just a few days ago, I got a call that Ureje bridge along Poly road in Ado was affected by a heavy rain that fell on Tuesday, and as a responsive government, I directed the Commissioner for Environment to see what could be done to address the menace.”

“While we have filled up the areas eaten up by erosion with heavy stones to prevent the Ureje bridge from caving in, we are also considering some lasting solutions. But our people too have critical roles to play in ensuring that we have a safe environment. It is unacceptable to dump refuse in the drains. Once the drains are blocked, flooding is certain to happen. Whoever is caught dumping refuse in the drains will face the wrath of the law”, he said.

At Ogbese, the bridge had been overrun by flood and had sacked residents living close to the river bank.

The governor interfaced with members of the community said the flood was not unconnected with the lackadaisical attitude of the contractor handling the construction of Ogbese dam.

Governor Fayemi immediately went to the dam and summoned the contractor to his office on how to control water from the dam and preventing it from causing needless flood.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Rice by 2030: Japan to help double Africa production - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

The Sasakawa Association will work with the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), to help double rice production to 50 million tonnes by 2030. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the announcement at the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) symposium held on Wednesday during TICAD7, reports NaijaAgroNet.

“Japanese technology can play a key role in innovation which is key to agriculture,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told delegates.

Discussions at the Symposium focused on Africa’s youth bulge, unemployment rates, agricultural innovations and technologies, solutions and job creation opportunities in the agricultural sector.

“We’ve always believed in the agriculture potential of Africa,” said Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon foundation. “We are paying more attention to income-generating activities. We want to help shift the mindset of small-holder farmers from producing-to-eat to producing-to-sell. We are hopeful that Africa’s youth can take agriculture to a new era, and that they can see a career path in agriculture,” he said.

In a keynote address, African Development Bank Group President, Akinwumi Adesina, called for urgent and concerted efforts to “end hunger”.

“In spite of all the gains made in agriculture. We are not winning the global war against hunger. We must all arise collectively and end global hunger. To do that, we must end hunger in Africa. Hunger diminishes our humanity,” Adesina urged.

According to the FAO's 2019 State of Food and Security, the number of hungry people globally stands at a disconcerting 821 million. Africa alone accounts for 31% of the global number of hungry people – 251 million people.

Commending the Sasakawa Association’s late founder, Ryochi Sasakawa, for his tireless efforts in tackling hunger, Adesina said: “Passion, dedication and commitment to the development of agriculture and the pursuit of food security in our world has been the hallmark of your work.”

Between 1986 and 2003, Sasakawa Association in Africa, operated in a total of 15 countries including - Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Mali, Guinea, Zambia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Mozambique.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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Shell, SAP offer free ICT training to graduates - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

Ten Nigerian graduates of business and information technology disciplines have completed a one-year specialised digital training and certification in financial accounting and project management while another set of 10 beneficiaries have commenced their training cycle in the programme sponsored by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) in collaboration with SAP Nigeria.

Speaking in Lagos last week at the closing ceremony for the exiting participants, SNEPCo’s Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari, described the training initiative as critical in preparing young Nigerian graduates for the evolving workplace technology and to give them industry exposure and certification in selected SAP modules.

According to Ojulari, SNEPCo and other Shell companies are key players in digitalisation. “Shell’s strategy is to be a leading player in digitalisation. We are a pioneer in the development and deployment of many digital technologies, and we use advanced IT infrastructure in innovative ways.”

Represented by the Information Technology Manager for Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Dave Osewemgie, Ojulari applauded the collaboration with SAP “especially for taking on our recommendations, which helped to improve the training curriculum.”

Also speaking, the Nigerian Content Development Manager of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Olawuyi Olarenwaju, explained that the programme which began in 2018 was designed to improve the employability of young Nigerian IT and Business graduates.

He said, “Shell Nigeria partnered with SAP to deploy the programme in Nigeria and the initial partnership featured 22 young Nigerians, 10 of which were deployed in Shell Nigeria companies. SAP affirms that globally, 99% of the trainees have been able to find employment after graduation. For the 10 graduates deployed this cycle, five are already at the recruitment stages of different organisations. These speaks to the quality of the training provided by SAP”.

The certification training is worth US$ 25,000 per students and is provided by SAP Nigeria at their training facilities to the selected candidates as part of their SAP Skills for Africa programme. Initiated in 2018, SAP skills for Africa programme runs in 22 countries and has produced 22,700 participants so far.

One of the graduates, Dafe Isodje said, “The programme is not only about technical skills but also about the soft skills. It was a pleasure to work in an environment where everybody is hungry to win, yet humble when they do. We just want to say a big thank you to SNEPCo for contributing greatly to our professional development through this programme.”

Since 2011, Shell companies in Nigeria have awarded more than 5,000 university and graduate educational grants as part of their human capacity development. In particular, the Shell Niger Delta Post Graduate Scholarship programme has benefitted more than 75 Niger Delta indigenes with studies at three top universities in the United Kingdom – University of Leeds, Imperial College and University of London. Also, since 2014, 140 young engineers and geologists have acquired industry experience through the Shell/Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) internship programme.

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Pix: Head, Social Performance and Investment, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Hope Nuka, (right) receiving the award of ‘Most Outstanding IOC Contributor to Gas Development in Nigeria’ from Chairman, Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria, Olatunde Dodondawa, at the 20th annual conference of the association in Lagos, last weekend.

UNICEF partners IHS Towers for children in rural communities - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

UNICEF has signed a partnership with IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers, in support of a Child Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) on which UNICEF is working with the Government of Nigeria to  empower and strengthen the capacity of local governments and rural communities, including local development councils, religious and traditional leaders, to adopt child-centred attitudes, behaviours and practices and improve access to basic services that promote child well-being and development, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Children and women in Nigeria face multiple deprivations and challenges, many rooted in poverty and inequality, with millions of them vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, lack of education and numerous violations of their rights. UNICEF aims for the Child Friendly Community Initiative to help accelerate tangible and sustained improvements for children in rural Nigeria who are consistently experiencing the highest levels of deprivation and poverty, with a view towards Nigeria achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

“Vulnerable children tend to suffer from multiple overlapping deprivations that are often mutually reinforcing”, said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, adding that “UNICEF believes a holistic and integrated approach is required that actively supports communities and local government with child-centred planning and service delivery, informed decision-making and corresponding attitudes, behaviours and practices that lead to better outcomes for children.”

Speaking at the signing event, Mohamad Darwish, IHS Towers Co-founder, Senior Vice President and IHS Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, commended UNICEF’s efforts in driving this initiative. He said, “Our four pillars - Ethics, People, Environment and Education – have been critical in driving our sustainability efforts within local communities in which we operate throughout the country and we are delighted to partner with UNICEF to continue addressing the needs of the most vulnerable individuals in-line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” 

A child friendly community is one where every child receives the nutrients, dietary diversity and stimulation that they need to develop; where every child is fully immunized, has a birth certificate, is protected from violence, exploitation and abuse, has access to quality health care, education and clean water; where the community is certified as open defecation free; and where parents, caregivers, young people and community leaders are informed about and actively engaged in promoting the well-being and development of children.

Communities will be sensitized on child rights and child-centred attitudes, behaviours and practices and means of improving access to basic services that promote child well-being and development.  Community level structures and institutions will also be strengthened through training to actively plan, manage services and maintain/sustain created assets.

“The Child Friendly Community Initiative will be accelerated across Nigeria with the active engagement and support of a diverse range of stakeholders; the private sector has a key role to play as well. We are delighted that IHS shares this vision and is the first company to join the initiative, demonstrating how the private sector can help boost development for children.” said Peter Hawkins.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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N70bn commitment: NIRSAL signs MoU with Ecobank - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ecobank on a N70Billion portfolio commitment from the bank to Agribusiness projects initiated and de-risked by NIRSAL, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The facility will be drawn down in series, with the MOU effectively kicking off an initial N15Billion agribusiness financing provision by Ecobank.

The commitment by Ecobank is the latest fruit of NIRSAL’s focus on breaking the jinx of poor investment in agribusiness by the financial sector by providing banks with strong incentives such as risk-sharing, technical assistance and innovative insurance.

The MOU is an offshoot of a meeting that took place between the two organisations on June 20, 2019, in which NIRSAL aroused Ecobank’s interest with its de-risked agribusiness model; prompting the bank’s immediate financial commitment and desire to formalize the partnership.

It is believed that the attraction for Ecobank, and indeed other commercial banks who have recently made portfolio commitments to NIRSAL-supported agribusiness projects are anchored on NIRSAL’s Mapping-to-Markets (M2M) strategy, conceived to de-risk and make operations in commodity value chains more efficient through optimized primary production in a closed financing loop.

Announcing the partnership in Lagos after a business meeting with the management of Ecobank, Aliyu Abdulhameed, Managing Director/CEO, NIRSAL Plc, said that Ecobank’s onboarding demonstrates the growing acceptance of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposition of NIRSAL as an innovative mechanism targeted at de-risking lending to the agricultural sector and providing a safe climate for highly profitable private sector investments.

Abdulhameed stated that “this MOU Signing marks the beginning of a collaboration between NIRSAL and Ecobank on NIRSAL’s agri-business initiatives and the development of products that will support lending to actors in the agricultural value chain in conformity with Ecobank’s risk acceptance criteria and credit process. With Ecobank’s commitment of a N70Billion portfolio to NIRSAL’s agribusiness initiatives, the bank and NIRSAL would jointly select and develop projects that will meet the financing needs of actors in NIRSAL’s focal commodity value chains”, he added.

According to Abdulhameed, NIRSAL’s focus commodity value chains, otherwise known as the 5-4-3-2-1 commodities, include 5 Industrial Commodities – Maize, Soybean, Wheat, Cassava and Cotton; 4 Export Commodities – Hibiscus, Sesame, Ginger and Shea; 3 Consumer Commodities – Rice, Sweet potato and Beans; 2 Controlled Environment Agriculture Commodities – Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) and Aquaculture; and Integrated Livestock Commodity.

Under this agreement, and in line with its Mapping to Markets (M2M) strategy, NIRSAL will identify and refer structured projects to Ecobank to support the Bank’s deal origination and financing operations in agribusiness. On its part, Ecobank will finance the projects leveraging NIRSAL’s Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG) which is a further comfort for lenders to agriculture and agribusiness.

Also speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Lagos, Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria Limited said the bank is actively promoting agriculture as a strategic initiative to support national development which is critical to the wellbeing of Nigerians. According to Mr. Akinwuntan Ecobank is committed to working with NIRSAL to open up the vast opportunities that abound in agriculture and to ensure citizens benefit ultimately.

“This is a collaboration. The Federal Government had made it clear that investing in the agriculture sector is very critical for Nigeria to succeed, especially taking into consideration the natural endowment God granted us in terms of population, land and whether. We have the opportunity to make agriculture the economic spinner for Nigeria. What we are doing is to fulfil this policy direction of the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)” he noted.

Further, Mr. Akinwuntan reiterated that “in Nigeria Ecobank hopes to contribute positively to move the economy forward, creating employment for the teeming population through agriculture. We found a natural partner in NIRSAL as they have the requisite intellectual capacity to act as a meeting point for the stakeholders in the sector. The de-risking participation of NIRSAL gives us the will to provide these facilities at single-digit rates at a maximum of 9% to ensure that the users are able to make profits. When our customers make profits, we are also able to make profits. So, it is a win-win business for everyone”.

NIRSAL’s M2M primary production strategy, to which commercial banks are opening up their balance sheets, has already been deployed for the production of Maize and Soybeans in Geo-cooperatives across Benue, Ekiti and Niger States. A fortnight ago, NIRSAL hosted value chain players across all segments of the commodities’ value chains in a roundtable where terms of engagement were discussed and adopted. The clear indication of an end-to-end control of the production and marketing process presented banks at the roundtable with opportunities to, not just invest, but to sell their retail services for the long-term.

The M2M strategy is a closed-loop financing system whereby all financing transactions on a particular project site is mandatorily maintained in a single bank. This confers cashflow visibility and control on the operating bank- a key risk management strategy, besides several other benefits. Accordingly, NIRSAL will refer input and service providers, commodity merchants and industrial off-takers under the M2M to Ecobank for account opening and debt finance hence, driving the growth of the bank’s business.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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FirstBank agric expo set to promote opportunties -NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

Nigeria’s premier and leading financial services provider, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has announced that its 2019 FirstBank Agric Expo would hold on Friday, 30 August 2019 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The 2019 edition - the third in the series – is themed “Agricultural Value Chain – Spotlighting Opportunities and Managing Risks” would have Professor Benedict Oramah, President of AFREXIM Bank as the Keynote Speaker, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The annual FirstBank Agric Expo, launched in 2017 provides the lead in national discourse on sustainable agriculture value-chain as a substantial source of Nigeria’s economic development, improved contribution to her balance of trade as well as foreign exchange. The 2019 edition would host over 600 delegates and over 60 exhibitors to display the latest technology in farm equipment, tools and machineries as well as packaged finished agricultural produce, logistics and supply, thereby keeping the participants and sundry agribusiness practitioners abreast with new opportunities in the Agricultural industry.

Besides the plenary session, the expo will feature three (3) Masterclasses with in-depth analysis on specific areas of Agribusiness, facilitated by enterprising Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The Masterclass facilitators include Mr. Leonard Anyanwu, Group Executive Director, Saro International Limited; Mr Segun Ogunwale, Team Lead, Kominity Digital and Mr Bamidele Ayemibo Managing Director, 3T Impex Trade Centre, who will provide insight as well as share success stories and experiences.

Expressing his delight on FirstBank’s leading role at not just promoting Agriculture but diversifying the Nigerian economy, the CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan said ”in the last 125 years, more than any other financial institution, we have played a key role in financing different sectors of not just the Nigerian economy but other economies in sub-Saharan Africa. As Nigeria expands opportunities in its non-oil sector – especially Agriculture – we remain committed to the growth of the agricultural sector and its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.”

“Our consistency in convening the FirstBank Agric Expo, which is in its third consecutive edition, is a demonstration of our commitment to building the agribusiness economy which is capable of delivering sustained prosperity by meeting domestic food security goals, generating exports, supporting sustainable income and creating employment opportunities”, he concluded.

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New reports focus on malaria eradication goal - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

The RBM Partnership to End Malaria welcomes two new forthcoming reports on the opportunity the world has to achieve the eradication of malaria, a disease which still threatens half the world’s population, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group on Malaria Eradication (SAGme) today released an executive summary of its report “Malaria Eradication: benefits, future scenarios and feasibility” due out later this year. The summary calls for renewed global commitment and action against malaria, particularly in the areas of R&D and Universal Health Coverage.

On September 9, the Lancet Commission on Malaria Eradication will release its report “Malaria Eradication within a Generation: Ambitious, Achievable and Necessary” at the WHO-hosted forum “Rising to the Challenge of Malaria Eradication,” featuring WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Commission’s report proposes solutions to the major operational, biological and financial challenges on the path to eradication.  

“Since 2000, global efforts have driven tremendous progress, saving more than 7 million lives and preventing more than a billion cases of malaria, creating the opportunity to end malaria within a generation. Today, there are more countries without malaria than with malaria, and more countries than ever have fewer than 10,000 malaria cases, putting elimination within reach. However, malaria cases are increasing in the highest burden countries, and we are working with partners to do more to reignite and accelerate progress to drive malaria cases back down and stay on track to end this deadly yet preventable and treatable disease once and for all.

This won’t be easy, but study after study shows that the benefits of malaria eradication will greatly exceed the investment needed to reach it, whilst also contributing to advancing health for all,” said Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.

The executive summary of the forthcoming SAGme report calls for increased domestic and external resources, increased political commitment and fast tracking of new tools and innovations. It also calls for making better use of data and surveillance, and a strong health system, important components of the WHO and RBM Partnership High Burden to High Impact approach. We must also ensure that the lifesaving tools we do have, such as insecticide treated nets, are reaching everyone who needs them.

NaijaAgroNet recalls that the RBM Partnership to End Malaria is the largest global platform for coordinated action against malaria. Originally established as Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership in 1998, it mobilises for action and resources and forges consensus among partners. 

The Partnership is comprised of more than 500 partners, including malaria endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, nongovernmental and community-based organisations, foundations, and research and academic institutions.  

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'Collaboration with OPC reduced crime in South West' - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has revealed that his collaboration with the Oodua Peoples Congress has led to a significant reduction in crime rate in South West Nigeria, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The IGP, who made the revelation through a delegation sent to the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland and Leader of the OPC, Iba Gani Adams, in Lagos on Thursday, said he would sustain the synergy and partnership to further reduce crime rate and ensure peace in the South West area.

Rising from a meeting with the delegation, the Aare Ona Kankanfo commended the initiative of Adamu to partner with his organisation to fight crime, pledging that the OPC will not betray the trust.

Adams noted that the most important part of security is intelligence gathering, recalling how the police in Lagos were able to end the menace of the dreaded Badoo cultists involved in several killings in the state by forming a partnership with the OPC.

He also noted that the OPC was not set up as a crime-fighting organisation, revealing that the circumstances that led to its involvement in security matters was when the landlords associations on Lagos Mainland sought its assistance to stem the tide of rising crimes.

He reflected on the confrontations between the OPC and the police between 2000 and 2004, and expressed joy that today the IGP has found the organisation worthy of his collaboration in crime fighting.

Commending Adamu for believing in community policing and taking pro-active steps, Adams said the OPC would work with the newly established Police Special Squad deployed to the South West to fight kidnapping and armed banditry, as his men who know the territory well are ready, willing and able to confront criminals in the region.

The Leader of the IGP’s delegation, Jude Nwankor, assured the Aare Ona Kankanfo that the mistake of the past would not repeat itself again.

Members of the delegation included the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos State, Chief Superintendent of Police Peter Gana; and the Commander, Seme Border Patrol, CSP Ogechi Moses Udu. 

Also at the parley on the side of Iba Adams were the former Special Adviser, Political, to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Basorun Akin Osuntokun; OPC’s Director of Mobilisation, Comrade Dauda Asikolaye; Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo; Osi Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Kola Balogun; Segun Sani; and key members of the OPC.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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‘Focus on structures and processes,’ Fayemi's wife charges Inner Wheel members - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has urged the National Body of the International Inner Wheel club in Nigeria to do more in the area of protecting the rights of women and the girl child in the country, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Mrs. Fayemi who noted that the organisation has been trying its best on gender issues, however pointed out that the situation of women in terms of empowerment and enjoying other rights as men in the country is still discouraging. She therefore urged the Inner Wheel and other stakeholders to do more on gender issues.

She made these remarks on Friday while being presented an award in recognition of her role in advancing the rights of women and girls all over the world , by the Inner Wheel Nigeria led by the National Secretary Mrs. Olawumi Oladimeji in her office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

She said: " Great Inner Wheel members, we need to Level Up, we need to move to the next level. You have been doing the same thing for the past thirty something years. You have increased the levels at which you are working, the intensity and your reach. That you have done, but the issues still remain the same.

“Poverty, discrimination, exclusion, lack of voice for women, and a lot of the interventions you are making are addressing the symptoms of those issues, not the root causes. That is why 30 years from now all women’s organizations we are still going to be working on the same issues.”

" The charge I am giving Inner Wheel Nigeria as an organization is that you should now focus on the structures and processes that make it possible for women to continue to experience discrimination. For us to continue to be working on the same issues 30 years after the fact,” said Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

Speaking further, Erelu Fayemi said the Club should also help in pressurising the government to enact laws to protect women from violence.

She explained that apart from Ekiti State there is no other State in the South-West that has domesticated the National Gender Policy.

She said: “Nigeria has had a National Gender Policy since 2005, it was revised in 2015, and the idea is that all the states in the Federation are supposed to domesticate the National Gender Policy. The Gender National Policy is what provides the governments, Federal and States the direction in how to invest in economic empowerment for women, in agriculture, in micro enterprise development, addressing issues around personal safety, violence, and women’s political participation, to mention a few.”

“I will like you to do is to ensure that all the States in the South West domesticate the National Gender Policy. There are many women’s rights organizations and consultants who can work with you in your different States to make sure that it is done.” She gave this as her primary charge to the Inner Wheel members.

“We need to press our government and insist that they provide an enabling environment for women to grow and develop. And that enabling environment includes providing laws, ensuring there are policies in place, ensuring that there are institutions or structures in place,” she said in closing her remarks.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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GAS: Nigeria, Egypt, 4 others lead investment across supply - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:

Some six countries in Africa are leading investment across supply to the 2019 Gas Summit worth some $103 billion, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The countries include Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal and Mauritania lead investment across supply and demand driven projects.

The continent holds 7.1 per cent of proven global gas reserves (http://bit.ly/2KKgTgQ) and is expected to contribute nearly 10 percent of global production growth through to 2024 (http://bit.ly/30murnZ).

On the demand side, Africa’s large, urbanized and industrialized societies of the future will require reliable and sustainable power generation. With greenfield investments in Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique and elsewhere reaching nearly $103 billion this year (http://bit.ly/30oTBSU), it is clear that liquefaction is viewed as the most profitable strategy for realizing Africa’s gas potential.

Record investments on the supply side

Nigeria accounts for over 50 percent of current LNG production capacity on the continent (https://bloom.bg/2KLS18A). With October 2019 seeing a final investment decision on the $12 billion expansion of the country’s liquefaction plant at Bonny Island in Rivers State.

The Train 7 expansion project would increase Nigerian LNG production capacity by 35 percent, from 22 million tons per annum to 30 million. Current indications point to a positive verdict (http://bit.ly/2Mu0wXT). The twenty-year-old facility is owned and operated by a consortium which includes NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni (http://bit.ly/2Z8aftm).

In North Africa, Egypt has successfully re-established itself as an important investment destination following the downturn in the gas sector in 2014. In the first half of 2019, the behemoth Zohr offshore gas field produced 11.3 billion cubic meters - 3.6 times more than it did in 1H2018. The success is set to continue with reports earlier this year of a new Eni discovery in the Nour North Sinai Concession (http://bit.ly/2NoHsd8). Evaluation is ongoing but there are hopes that the new field could rival the Zohr, which would open significant opportunities for investment in new liquification plants. In February, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Corporation awarded five new gas exploration concessions to Shell, ExxonMobil, Petronas, DEA and Eni in which it expects to see 20 wells drilled (https://reut.rs/2ZiMCO7).

In June, Anadarko gave its final approval for a $20 billion gas liquefaction and export terminal in Mozambique. The Area 1 project is the single largest LNG project ever approved in Africa (https://reut.rs/2zaK0Dd). And, it could be closely followed by Exxon’s $14.7 billion Area 4 development – FID is expected before the end of the year (http://bit.ly/30oTBSU). Political stability and access to east Asian markets could see Mozambique become a major global gas market over the next decade.

Investors are also paying attention to smaller projects in countries like Mauritania, Senegal and Cameroon. Operators have been successfully able to deploy floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) technology to realise the value of smaller assets in these markets and this could be a continuing trend in 2020 and beyond (https://bloom.bg/2KLS18A / http://bit.ly/31Qrr3E). Eni and partners are considering a $7 billion FLNG for the Coral South field in Mozambique (http://bit.ly/31Qrr3E).

South Africa’s LNG diversification play

In terms of African demand for LNG, South Africa – the most industrialized economy on the continent – could be an influential market.

Heavy coal consumption and unreliable power generation make natural gas an attractive solution to diversify its power generation base. In 2020, Transnet – a state-owned freight logistics firm – will launch a tender for the development of an LNG import terminal at Richards Bay Port. The World Bank’s International Finance Corporation has committed $2 million to fund the project planning (https://reut.rs/2ZiUtr4).

These and other recent developments reflect a growing and diverse African LNG sector. From top-tier greenfield developments to faster-to-market, agile FLNG operations; massive new discoveries to expanding existing liquefication infrastructure. It is an exciting time to be involved, as demonstrated by the high-profile speakers taking part in this year’s Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum, be hosted by Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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