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Nigeria Attracts Global Investors as Komolafe Showcases Upstream Reforms in London

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Nigeria is gaining renewed global attention as a hotspot for oil and gas investment, following strategic reforms in its upstream sector that are beginning to yield tangible results.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Energies Summit in London, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said the reforms — rooted in transparency, data access, and regulatory overhaul — are restoring investor confidence and driving production growth in Africa’s largest energy market.

Komolafe told energy leaders and investors at the summit that Nigeria’s upstream sector transformation is anchored on three core pillars: transparent licensing rounds, quality subsurface data, and bold regulatory changes enabled by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Each of these awards and rounds was conducted with unprecedented transparency, unmatched competitiveness, and remarkable investor engagement,” he said.

“Collectively, they have repositioned Nigeria as a prime destination for oil and gas investment, while reaffirming our commitment to global standards of excellence, innovation, and partnership.”

According to the CCE, the NUPRC’s push to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness has been driven by access to reliable geological data — an essential element for informed exploration and development decisions.

He said the commission, in collaboration with global partners, has embarked on one of the most ambitious data acquisition projects on the continent.

“Through a landmark partnership with TGS-PetroData and other multiclient service providers, the NUPRC embarked on one of Africa’s most ambitious data acquisition and reprocessing campaigns, acquiring over 11,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data as part of the broader 56,000 sq km Awalé Project,” Komolafe said.

He added that the National Data Repository (NDR), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s data strategy, has been pivotal in improving investor due diligence.

“At the heart of this revolution also is our National Data Repository (NDR), which houses one of the most extensive seismic databases on the continent and records from over 10,000 wells, enabling both physical and remote access for thorough technical due diligence,” he said.

“This wealth of accessible, high-quality data has not only empowered investor confidence during recent bid rounds but has firmly repositioned Nigeria as one of the most data-rich and investment-ready destinations in the global energy landscape.”

Komolafe credited recent progress to the policy environment created under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Measures such as the reduction of entry barriers and the adjustment of fiscal frameworks have made it easier for investors to commit to Nigeria.

“Today, entry fees are pragmatic, calibrated to global realities, and tailored to support commercial viability on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

“Through the Presidential Executive Orders and the proactive stance of the NUPRC, Nigeria has redefined itself not only as a land of vast hydrocarbon potential but as a destination where opportunity meets ease of doing business, certainty, and investor value.”

Komolafe said Nigeria has moved from eight active rigs in 2021 to 36 today, with projections to reach 50 by the end of 2025. This upward trend also mirrors increases in reserves and production levels.

“New investors, empowered by clarity and quality, have entered our sector; oil and gas reserves and production have increased, while rig counts have surged from 8 in 2021 to 36 currently,” he said.

“With 210.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa, and 37.28 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, Nigeria holds enormous reserves.”

To consolidate the momentum, Komolafe said the NUPRC launched the “Project 1 Million Barrels per Day” initiative aimed at ramping up daily crude oil production by over one million barrels beyond the October 2024 baseline.

“Since the launch of the project, we have achieved a notable increase in daily production, recently reaching 1.78 million barrels per day, up from a baseline of 1.46 million barrels per day in October 2024,” he stated.

To sustain this progress, the Commission is adopting technological tools and streamlined processes to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

“To sustain momentum, the NUPRC is fast-tracking rig licensing and is set to introduce digital tools aimed at optimizing rig utilization and securing long-term contracts,” Komolafe added.

Despite persisting challenges such as infrastructure and evacuation constraints, Komolafe said Nigeria remains proactive and focused on results. He urged global stakeholders to be part of the country’s unfolding energy story.

“Distinguished Investors and Partners, our drive to tackle production and evacuation challenges has presented several opportunities in a wide range of upstream activities including reviving shut-in wells, executing workover campaigns, deploying enhanced oil recovery techniques in mature fields, and advancing new development drilling across both brownfields and underdeveloped assets,” he said.

“These efforts must be supported by robust reservoir management and real-time production optimization.”

Komolafe also identified Nigeria’s youthful population as a key asset in building local capacity, promoting innovation, and adopting cleaner energy solutions.

“Additionally, Nigeria’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation and workforce development in the exploration of frontier basins as well as the advancement of decarbonisation technologies in the oil and gas sector,” he said.

“Nigeria is not waiting on the sidelines. We are standing boldly at the center; fully ready, capable, and determined to lead,” Komolafe said.

“In this new energy era, our initiatives and strategic efforts are designed to deepen investor confidence, drive sustainable growth, bridge the gap between resource potential and actual production, unlock the full value of our upstream assets, and deliver tangible results that advance shared prosperity.”

With the foundations now laid for transparency, sustainability, and growth, experts at the summit agree that Nigeria is on course to becoming a cornerstone of Africa’s energy future.

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CRMI Urges Strategic Repositioning After UAE’s OPEC Exit

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The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has issued a Policy Advisory in response to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective May 1, 2026.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Registrar /CEO
Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Mr Victor Olannye.

According to him “ This landmark development signals a significant shift in global oil governance, potentially leading to increased market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and energy supply chain disruptions. CRMI advises corporate members, public sector institutions, financial institutions, and individual risk professionals to reassess their risk management strategies and strengthen institutional resilience.”

Mr Olannye, Ph.D., highlighted Key Risks to include
Structural breakdown of OPEC’s cohesion Oil price volatility
Geopolitical instability
Energy supply chain disruptions Macroeconomic uncertainty
Contagion risk of other member states exiting OPEC

Implications for Nigeria according to the Registrar include Increased production flexibility, potential market share expansion, and enhanced revenue prospects.

On Risks: Exposure to price volatility, reduced supply management protection, heightened competition, and fiscal instability.
He highlighted Policy Directives to Corporate Organizations to ensure they Implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify business portfolios while calling on Financial Institutions and Investors to Reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure

He called on Public Sector and Policymakers to Strengthen fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote renewable energy transition

For Individual Risk Professionals, the CRMI is advocating Upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics, develop expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.

CRMI urged stakeholders to proactively reposition their strategies to navigate this evolving geo- economic environment.

“ The Institute anticipates possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased market-driven oil pricing mechanisms, and acceleration of global energy transition initiatives” he added

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UNLEASH 2026: Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich Puts African Enterprise on Global Agenda

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Nigerian entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, Founder and CEO of Elin Group Limited, commanded global attention at the inaugural UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, held Friday at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected businesswomen and philanthropists, Dr. Jack-Rich featured as both a key panelist and a keynote speaker — further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices on the global stage.

She joined a high-level Fireside Chat titled _“Leadership in the Age of Disruption: Identity, Power, & Impact,”_ alongside Denise Fall, Senior Leader in Immunology at Johnson & Johnson, and Tolani Alli, Creative Campaign Director at the World Bank. The session brought together accomplished women leaders to examine how identity, power dynamics, and purposeful leadership intersect in today’s volatile global business environment.

Described as insightful, energizing, and highly relevant, the conversation resonated strongly with young professionals and emerging leaders navigating volatility, sustainability challenges, and opportunities across emerging markets.

Beyond the Fireside Chat, Dr. Jack-Rich delivered a powerful keynote address that anchored key discussions on building resilient enterprises and leading with impact amid disruption.

Dr. Jack-Rich leads Elin Group Limited, a diversified conglomerate with strategic interests spanning:
– Real Estate Development
– Power Generation and Gas Utilization
– Agriculture
– Mining
– Maritime and Aviation — notably through Elin Air, where she stands out as one of the few female operators of private jet charter services in Nigeria
– *Logistics and Infrastructure*

Beyond her corporate achievements, she is the driving force behind the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID), through which she has executed numerous high-impact philanthropic initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, women and youth empowerment, education, and community development across Nigeria.

Themed _“Building For What’s Next,”_ UNLEASH 2026 was a one-day strategic summit co-hosted by three prominent student organizations at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School: the Africa Business Club, Women in Business Graduate Club, and Net Impact Club. The conference drew MBA students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and policymakers for robust dialogue on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and strategies for thriving in an era of global disruption.

Her participation was widely applauded as a proud moment for Nigerian and African representation in global leadership conversations, with many attendees citing her journey as a blueprint for purpose-driven enterprise and impact.

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Dangote Sugar Seeks To Raise ₦500bn Capital Through Rights Issue

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Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced plans to raise up to N500 billion through a Rights Issue.

The company said shareholders have approved the plan to raise capital through the issuance of ordinary shares.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Temitope Hassan, following the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.

Subject to regulatory approval, the move is part of efforts to strengthen its capital base and support future growth.

“The Directors of the Company be and are hereby authorised to raise capital of up to N500 billion by way of Rights Issue through the issuance of ordinary shares, on such terms and conditions and at such time as the Directors may deem fit.”

The Rights Issue may be underwritten, depending on terms approved by the Board and regulatory authorities, the company said, noting that any shares not taken up by existing shareholders may be offered to other interested investors.

The company stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening its financial capacity to support long-term growth objectives.

The capital raise move comes as Dangote Sugar’s financial performance reflects both growth and improvement.

In its 2025 audited results, revenue increased by 24.56% to N829.2 billion, driven largely by strong demand for 50kg sugar, which accounted for N807 billion of total revenue.

Retail sugar sales contributed N17.7 billion, while molasses and freight income added N4.02 billion and N66.4 million, respectively.

Cost of sales rose by 11.35% to N706.5 billion, largely due to raw material costs of N573.3 billion, resulting in a gross profit of N122.6 billion.

The company reported a pre-tax loss of N72.2 billion, an improvement from the N270.8 billion loss recorded in 2024.

Regional sales showed Lagos accounting for 55.82%, followed by the North at 35.35%, the West at 6.45%, and the East at 2.38%.

Dangote Sugar said its share capital will be increased to accommodate the new shares to be issued under the Rights Issue.

The Board has been authorised to allot shares and manage fractional holdings in line with regulatory requirements.

“Any unallotted shares after the exercise will be cancelled as permitted by law”, the notice added, stating that the capital raise ranks among the largest Rights Issues in Nigeria’s corporate history.

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