Shell companies in Nigeria teamed up with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other stakeholders to build Information Communication Technology (ICT) centres and a digital library in Nigerian universities this year in their continuing support for education.

Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and NNPC in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB) launched a digital library at Niger Delta University, Amassoma in Bayelsa State in April, while an ICT centre was commissioned at the Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State in July, by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) as part of the Joint Venture with NNPC, TotalEnergies and NAOC.

In the latest intervention just last week, lecturers and students at Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO,) applauded as SPDC, NNPC and other Joint Venture partners collaborated with NCDMB to unveil a world-class engineering design studios and ICT hub at the institution. “This is Shell working to power lives in Nigeria,” said Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, SPDC, Osagie Okunbor said reflecting on the three facilities. The projects have changed the academic and physical landscapes in the three universities and linked the students and lecturers to the global learning arena.”

The facilities at FUTO include two state-of-the-art engineering design studios and a fully furnished 100-seater ICT lecture hall, equipped with computers and smartboards with dedicated power and water supplies. FUTO was selected for the project as part of the “institutional strengthening” in the catchment area of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project. They were launched at a colourful ceremony attended by representatives of the Imo State Government and principal officers of the university.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said: “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and NAOC JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.”

Okunbor’s address at the commissioning was read by General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, in which he expressed happiness “that the collaboration of SPDC, Joint venture partners, NCDMB, and FUTO has resulted in this successful social investment project that demonstrates our commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.”

Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, called on Nigerian institutions to domesticate the advancements in AI and other technologies. “Our AI must understand Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, and other local languages,” he said, speaking through Dr. Ama Ikuru, the Director in charge of Capacity Building. “We must leapfrog the innovations of other nations and become a net exporter of advanced technology to achieve the lofty ideals of Nigerian content development.”

The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti, said in his address which was read by the Senior Advisor Stakeholders Relations, Mrs. Halimat Wilson: “Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and developed. The Engineering Studio and ICT Hub is designed to be such a place where students, researchers, and faculty can collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Welcoming guests earlier, FUTO Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti, thanked the sponsors of the project “for a landmark donation” to the university.

Shell Companies in Nigeria have been education since the 1950s through scholarships and other initiatives. These efforts have resulted in the award of thousands of secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship awards, provision of educational infrastructure and establishment of sabbatical and internship programmes as well as centres of excellence in several universities.

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Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, shared an optimistic outlook on the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry during a panel session at    the just concluded Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja. Speaking on the theme “Fuelling Growth: The Future of Oil and […]

Shell says it exclusively paid $1.09 billion in corporate taxes and royalties to the Federal Government in 2023.

Mrs Abimbola Essien-Nelson, the Media Relations Manager of Shell, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Essien- Nelson said that the royalties were paid through the operations of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd. (SNEPCo).

Essien-Nelson said that the figures, announced in the just published 2023 Shell briefing notes, showed that SPDC paid 442 million dollars, while SNEPCo remitted 649 million dollars.

She said that similar payments made by the two companies in 2022 amounted to 1.36 billion dollars.

“These payments are Shell exclusive and do not include those made by our partners.

“Shell companies in Nigeria will continue to contribute to the country’s economic growth through the revenue we generate and the employment opportunities we create by supporting the development of local businesses,” Osagie Okunbor said.

She said that Shell has invested in Nigeria for more than 60 years.

Essien-Nelson said that the briefing notes report on the progress of the businesses of Shell companies in Nigeria – SPDC, SNEPCo, Shell Nigeria gas and Daystar Power for 2023.

“The reports show that the companies continued to power progress, working closely with stakeholders and communities to promote socio-economic development and providing cost-effective and cleaner energy solutions.

Okunbor added: “It is important to emphasise that Shell is not leaving Nigeria and will remain a major partner of the country’s energy sector through its deep-water and integrated gas businesses.

“Our collective focus remains on delivery of safe operations and care for our people.

African can unlock the potential of the energy sector and drive energy security, transition and economic prosperity by embracing partnerships, technological innovation and sustainable financing, Shell has said.

Speaking at a ministerial panel session on “Navigating the new energy world order: Security, Transition and Finance” at the 7th Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria  Ltd (SPDC)and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said advancing energy security, transition and economic prosperity in Africa required “a holistic approach that addresses efficiencies in the development of conventional energy sources which Africa has abundance of, and will depend on for now and in the nearest future.”

Okunbor, who was represented by the Managing Director of  Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, said international partnerships and collaborations could help in accessing best practices, advanced technologies and innovations to optimise operations and drive down emissions, citing the example of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP), which SPDC and SNEPCo have deployed to facilitate the monitoring and mitigation of methane emissions from their operations.

According to Okunbor, sustainable financing mechanisms, like impact investing and public-private partnerships, can also provide the capital to develop clean energy projects, enhance infrastructure and support local capabilities.

He said energy security, transition and finance “are at the heart of the dilemma that the world and senior executives in the energy sector are grappling with,” stressing that secure and uninterrupted access to energy at affordable price was key for economic growth and development for every country, and more so for emerging economies like those in Africa.

On Shell’s role in the development  of the energy sector in Africa, Okunbor spoke of its “longstanding presence” in Nigeria, Egypt, Namibia, Ghana, South Africa and Tunisia among many other countries. He gave the example of Nigeria, where Shell is working closely with government, partners and other stakeholders, to help harness gas as a transition fuel, promote Nigerian content development and deploy renewables as an off-grid energy source for millions of households.

“By and large we are seeing significant progress in collaboration and more opportunities going forward,” Okunbor said.

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited operated Joint Venture has built and handed over a Centre of Excellence in Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering to the University of Benin, as part of efforts to encourage manpower development in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. The latest achievement adds to the NNPC/SPDC JV Centre of Excellence in Marine and Offshore Engineering which opened at the Rivers State University, Nkpolu – Port Harcourt in 2017. The Centre of Excellence in Benin was established in 2012, and the SPDC JV funding and support over the years have resulted in the construction of a one-storey purpose-built building with lecture rooms, auditorium, offices, ICT centre, powerhouse and borehole among other facilities. 

“It is a thing of joy to SPDC JV and, I believe, to the University of Benin also, that graduates of the Centre are snapped up by various companies who have come to appreciate the quality of training offered,” Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said at its formal handover to the University authorities recently. He was particularly pleased that, more than 120 graduates had been trained, many working in the oil industry and public service as well as undertaking doctorate programmes. 

In an address, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer at the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, who was represented by Deputy Manager, External Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, said: “This Centre is a symbol of our commitment to scientific exploration, environmental stewardship, and the pursuit of knowledge. It will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and the training of future generations of geoscientists who will carry the torch of discovery forward.” 

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami, who is also the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre, described it as “a precious jewel” of the institution. “Its unique capacity to contribute immensely to local content development for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, through well-structured, industry-focused training in the Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering, is a great source of pride to the University,” she said. 

The Centre of Excellence is a joint effort of the NNPC/SPDC JV and the University of Benin and designed to bridge gaps between classroom training of young graduates, at master’s and doctorate degrees levels, and industrial practice that make them ready for the oil and gas business. Products of the Centre have won prizes and awards at conferences and exhibitions with some acquiring PhDs within and outside Nigeria “in record time.” 

The NNPC/SPDC JV Centre of Excellence in Marine and Offshore Engineering at Rivers State University is also producing top-level manpower and will soon commence PhD programmes. A Professorial Chair in Environmental Management and Control at the University Nigeria, set up by NNPC/SPDC JV in 2016 is planned to transit to a Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy.  

The NNPC/SPDC JV has been supporting education through scholarships and other initiatives since the 1950s.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Mele Kolo Kyari; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe; and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, at the execution of Production Sharing Contracts for Oil Mining Lease 133 in deep water Nigeria at the NNPC Towers, Abuja… on Friday.

The Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), Mr. Osagie Okunbor, has been named the sole recipient of the H. E. Dr Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry for 2022.

Named in honour of the late Venezuelan Minister of Petroleum and one of the founding fathers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the award is the most prestigious recognition for an individual or organisation who has made notable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The award to Okunbor was the climax of the closing events for the 21st edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOG ’22) held in Abuja on Thursday and aptly tagged “Nights of Tributes” in honour of the late Secretary-General of OPEC, Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, who passed on Tuesday night after he had delivered the keynote address earlier in the day at the opening ceremony of the conference.

An elated but surprised Okunbor expressed gratitude to the Industry and event organisers, under the principal sponsorship of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, for considering him worthy of the recognition. Winners of the award are nominated from online votes by industry participants to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition.

Amidst applause, Okunbor said, “”I am immensely grateful for the recognition and honour.”

Okunbor joined energy giant, Shell, in 1986 and has since worked in Nigeria, the UK, Brunei and the Netherlands in various capacities within the Shell Group before his appointment as Managing Director, SPDC, and Country Chair, SCiN on March 1, 2015.

Okunbor was in 2021 honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Benin, and the Award for Excellence and Integrity in Corporate Leadership by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. A human resource professional, Okunbor had also been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the Development of HR in Nigeria by the HR People Magazine.

Energy company, Shell, has inaugurated the second and final phase of its comprehensive health care projects for Oloibiri and other communities in Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State.

“Corporate Social Responsibility means doing well. What you have done today means you’re doing well. You are impacting the lives of the communities, of people, and of government of the state. You have done so well today, and we commend you. You are investing in education and in social development in Ogbia to improve the quality of life of our people,” Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri said on Thursday while leading other state officials to open the state-of the-art facilities.

Speaking at the inauguration event, Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, described the dual-phased suite of health projects in Oloibiri as a reinforcement of the commitment of the oil major to the health and wellbeing of its hosts and Nigerians as a whole.

Okunbor said, “The projects are to serve as a reference point for sustainable primary health care delivery, which is the foundation for the attainment of the Universal Health Coverage as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).”

According to him, “Oloibiri holds an important place because when the narration of Nigeria’s oil and gas journey is told, it will always be mentioned that here, in 1958, Shell Nigeria, made the first commercial find of hydrocarbons. Shell Companies in Nigeria, therefore, share a momentous tie with the Oloibiri community and it is our desire to leave impactful memories here.”

The phase two of the Shell Oloibiri health programme includes the Oloibiri Health Campus at Oloibiri Town; the Drug Distribution Centre at Emeyal II; a 400-metre Oloibiri access road to the health campus, and the Ogbia Safe Maternal and Infant Care Programme.”

Phase one of the programme was inaugurated in 2019 to provide universal health coverage for Oloibiri where Shell’s oil and gas exploration began in Nigeria over 60 years ago. The delivery of the projects was to fulfil Shell’s commitments in commemoration of Nigeria’s centenary held in 2014.

Phase one of the programme included a remodelled and fully equipped General Hospital in Kolo; fully equipped laboratories in the College of Health Technology, Otuogidi; and solar-powered water treatment facilities for the communities. As part of the programme, 100 indigenes of Ogbia, were also selected for the Special Shell LiveWIRE programme for economic empowerment.

The other Shell-sponsored centenary projects are the digital library in Port Harcourt and ultramodern health facilities in different locations in Delta State.

Leading energy company, Shell, on Thursday inaugurated a multi-billion-naira Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited built in partnership with the Rivers State Government, Vieux Manioc BV of the Netherlands, and the embassy of The Netherlands in Nigeria.

Shell says the company will support the economy and earning power of the Rivers State and its people from the cassava value chain while utilising leading technology to process and create more added value from the household crop.

Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said, “We’re happy to deliver a project that is designed to provide the agricultural sector of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta with a sustainable institutionalised off-take mechanism for regional cassava production.”

Okunbor who was represented by the General Manager External Relations, Mr. Igo Weli, said, “It is our hope that a steady source of supply will promote more production of cassava by farmers with the accompanying increase in household incomes and livelihoods ultimately unlocking revenue to government.”

Okunbor commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his vision and commitment to productive partnership with the private sector to develop the economy of the state.

“Data shows that Nigeria is the largest cassava producer globally, accounting for about 20 percent of total production worldwide. However, though domestic economy’s demand for cassava and its constituents is high, the supply has shown a gap, unable to meet the huge demand,” said Okunbor, adding that the cassava processing company was a critical intervention to bridge the supply gap by providing a reliable offtake for farmers.

Citing some expert reports, Okunbor noted that the local value-addition to cassava via local manufacturing and processing could potentially unlock about $16m in taxes to the government.

The governor led the Minister for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Sabo Nanono, to inaugurate the company, and praised Shell for its foresight and collaboration with the State on the project, noting that the factory would positively impact thousands of Rivers people and create tangible alternative livelihood opportunities.

Wike said, “I commend Shell for believing in us to partner with us. Gradually, Rivers State will reduce its holding in the company to about 10% from the current near 80%,” adding that the initiative was a preferred method of improving lives, rather than giving handouts to individuals.

Speaking at the event, Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, applauded the governor and the project partners for seeing the project through. He advised governors of other states in the country to take up similar projects, highlighting the CBN’s interest to support such tangible agricultural initiatives.

He challenged state governors to implement strategies that that would make them self-reliant and viable for economic development thereby reducing their dependence on allocation from the federal purse.

Explaining the capacity and operations of the processing plant, the Project Manager, Mr. Ruben Joseph Giesen, said, “The Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited will process cassava into high quality cassava flour via a unique split processing technology based on the operating principle of taking the factory to the farm gates rather than having the farmer bring the cassava tubers to the factory gate.”

In attendance at the event were the Managing Directors of Nigeria LNG, Mr. Tony Attah; and Sahara Energy, Mr. Kola Adesina; Archbishop of Canterbury’s Special Representative on Conflict in sub Saharan Africa and Bishop of South Sudan, Precious Omuku.

Global energy company, Shell, has announced a new business line in Nigeria to expand natural gas marketing and sales to meet the rapidly growing energy needs of wholesale customers and provide more and cleaner energy solutions in the country.

Building on the success of Shell Nigeria Gas, Shell Energy Nigeria, aims to deliver competitive and reliable energy for power generation and industrial users and to develop gas distribution to serve people in new regions.

“In line with the Federal Government’s ‘decade of gas’ initiative, Shell Energy Nigeria will strive to deliver gas-based energy solutions to a broad range of businesses across the country to help drive economic development and deliver greater value from the country’s natural resources,” said the General Manager of Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector.

According to a statement by the multinational’s Media Relations Manager, Bamidele Odugbesa, Shell Energy Nigeria’s gas solutions are designed to partner with other sources of energy – including renewables – to provide competitively priced and flexible energy, while helping the country to transition to a lower carbon energy system.

The new business will draw on the capabilities and experience of Shell Energy, a leading global provider of reliable, integrated and innovative energy solutions from a portfolio of natural gas, power and environmental products. It offers a comprehensive selection of energy solutions available from a single supplier and made possible by one of the industry’s largest trading operations.

Country Chair of Shell companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, said, “Shell Energy Nigeria demonstrates our ongoing commitment to powering progress by providing more and cleaner energy solutions in the country. It brings to Nigeria Shell’s decades of marketing and trading experience, a wealth of market knowledge and its ability to integrate energy solutions to support economic development in Nigeria.”