Energy Times Awardees

Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote: Businessman of the Year

Aliko Dangote is the founder and President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, the largest conglomerate in West Africa. The Group currently has a presence in 17 African countries and is a market leader in cement on the continent. One of the Group’s subsidiaries, Dangote Cement Plc, is the largest listed company in West Africa and the first Nigerian company to join the Forbes Global 2000 Companies list.

The Group has diversified into other sectors of the Nigerian economy including agriculture and is currently operating the largest petroleum refinery, petrochemical plant and fertilizer complex in Africa.

Internationally, Dangote sits on the board of the Corporate Council on Africa and is a member of the Steering Committee of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, the Clinton Global Initiative, the McKinsey Advisory Council, and the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum. He was named Co-chair of the US-Africa Business Center, in September 2016, by the US Chamber of Commerce. In April 2017, he joined the Board of Directors of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, which is helping countries build the systems necessary to provide health services to their people.

A dedicated philanthropist, Dangote made an initial endowment of $1.25 billion to the Dangote Foundation in March 2014, enabling it to scale up its work in health, education and economic empowerment. In addition, he is collaborating with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fight polio. He is also on the Board of ONE, the anti-poverty group, co-founded by Bono.

A graduate of Al-Azahar University in Cairo, Egypt, Dangote began his business career in 1978, trading in rice, sugar and cement, before he ventured into full-scale manufacturing. In 2013, Forbes listed him as the “Most Powerful Man in Africa.” In April 2014, TIME Magazine listed him among its 100 “Most Influential People in the World.” He also made the list of CNBC’s “Top 25 Businessmen in the World” that changed and shaped the century.

After many years in development, Dangote’s fertiliser plant in Nigeria began operations in March 2022.

Dangote Refinery began construction in 2016 and has begun refining operations in 2024. The $19 billion Petrochemical refinery with 650,000 barrels per day capacity was commissioned in 2023 at the Lekki Free Trade Zone area of the commercial hub, Lagos, in an event attended by some West African heads of state.

The refinery will be producing up to 53 million litres of gasoline per day, as well as 4 million litres of diesel and 2 million litres of aviation jet fuel daily.

Forecasts suggest that the refinery could elevate Nigeria to a net exporter of petroleum products by 2024.

As part of strategies to secure crude oil for the refinery, NNPC Limited has a 20% stake in the refinery with an agreement to supply 6 million barrels of crude oil as feedstock to the Dangote refinery.

Dangote’s business interests encompass many industries, including oil and gas, consumer goods, and manufacturing. However, Dangote Cement makes up the majority of the conglomerate’s revenue, of which Dangote owns 85%. According to Forbes magazine, the subsidiary produces 48.6 million metric tons of cement every year and operates in 10 African countries.

Dangote also owns the world’s third-largest sugar refinery. In 2022, Dangote Cement Group reported annual revenue of N443.7 billion Nigerian, approximately $955.4 million.

Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola gets Life Achiever Award

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Femi Otedola, is the chairman of Geregu Power, a company listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited. Otedola joined the board of Geregu Power Plc as Chairman of the Board of Directors in November 2013 and is currently the Chairman, FBN Holdings, whose flagship arm is First Bank Plc

Otedola became a non-Executive Director of FBN Holdings on 14 August 2023, months after he acquired a substantial stake in First Bank. Otedola is the financial institution’s biggest and only substantial shareholder, holding a 5.6% stake.

He has investments in port agency, shipping, storage and insurance brokerage. In 2007, he acquired a controlling interest in African Petroleum, which later metamorphosed into Forte Oil. Forte Oil itself would later be sold and renamed Ardova, one of the highest performing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The company grew in leaps and bounds to become a model of the possibilities inherent in Nigeria, winning numerous accolades in recognition of the successful business turnaround, prompt Financial Reporting, strong Corporate Governance and investment of choice within the Oil and Gas Industry and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.In 2019, with a firm belief in the power reforms of the Federal Government and overall vision “to be the foremost integrated energy solutions provider in Nigeria” he made a very strategic decision to sell his majority stake in Forte Oil Plc and invest in developing the power industry in Nigeria through the acquisition of a majority stake in the 435MW Geregu Power Plant, via an investment vehicle called Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited. Last year, Otedola acquired a significant stake in Dangote Cement, a company largely owned by his friend, Aliko Dangote. He has held several board memberships including President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping and as past Chairman of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. He was appointed Member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council in January 2004 and in December of the same year, he was appointed a Member of the Committee saddled with fostering business relationship between Nigerian and the South African Private sectors.

He was a member of the National Economic Management Team from September 2011 to May 2015 and the Honorary International Investors Council under the leadership of Baroness Lydna Chalker.

Mr. Otedola was further recognized for his immense contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy with the conferment of the prestigious national honour of “Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in May, 2010.

Otedola was appointed to the National Peace Committee in September 2022 with the responsibility for facilitating peaceful elections, transitions and promoting Unity and stability in Nigeria.

Femi Otedola was born on the 4th of November, 1962 to Michael Otedola and lady Doja in Ibadan. Sir Michael Otedola was a one-time Lagos State Governor who served from 1992 to 1993.

Femi Otedola had his first degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is married to Nana Otedola and they are blessed with four children. He has homes in London, New York, Lagos, Dubai and Abuja.

EKEDC: DisCo of the Year

Eko Electricity Distribution (EKEDC) Plc has been effectively supplying power to the southern part of Lagos State and Agbara community in Ogun State. These licensed areas are segmented into 11 districts, Lekki, Ibeju, Islands, Orile, Ijora, Apapa, Mushin, Festac, Ojo, Ajah and Agbara. Receiving between 11 and 15% of total energy allocation from the national grid, the company procures bulk electricity from Akangba, Ajah and Ikeja West transmission stations.

Eko DisCo has a track record of excellent performance in the sector, particularly in the distribution space. This ranges from top-notch delivery of customer service to reliable power supply to its customers. In October 2020, Eko Disco achieved a technological landmark by becoming the first electricity distribution company to launch the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition – Distribution Management System (SCADA-DMS) in Nigeria. Hence, the company consistently receives top ratings from the regulator of the industry, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Two years ago, the Board of Directors of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) took a bold step by appointing Tinuade Sanda as the Managing Director and first female to ever occupy such top position in Nigeria power sector.

Sanda, PhD, is an Associate Member of the Risk Management Association of Nigeria and the Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

She obtained a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Edinburgh Business School, Herriot Watt University, Scotland, UK, after graduating with a second-class upper in Financial Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.”

She was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy in Financial Management and Entrepreneurship on December 5, 2020 by the Senate and Governing Council of ICON University of Management Science and Technology, Benin.

Last year, through her leadership, EKEDC, as part of its continuous infrastructure and assets upgrade, took delivery of 150 transformers in its bid to improve services to its customers.

The 150 transformers have been purchased with 110 already on ground, ready to be distributed to relieve communities whose transformers are currently overloaded.

This is one of the numerous CAPEX investments the company has made towards improving its services to the customers, assuring that more developments are underway. He further explained that this would improve the distribution company’s services to its customers as well as help provide a steady and stable power supply across its franchise areas.

EKEDC monthly holds a town hall meeting with customers under its franchise area to ensure improved service delivery based on feedback.

Recently, the company, Nigeria’s leading utility company, has attained another milestone with the conferment of internationally recognised certification in Information Security Management System, ISO 27001:2013.

The ISO 27001 certification is the global standard for information security management systems that ensures that organisations keep information assets secure by building an information security infrastructure against loss, damage, theft, and other threats to information assets.

MELE KYARI, GCEO of the Year

Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari has, no doubt, become the symbol of the Nigerian oil industry and this has reflected in the industry’s leadership since he took over in 2019 as the Group Managing Director of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) now Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

His appointment, which came as a game-changer, was with a clear mission; to revitalize the struggling corporation; and within days of his appointment, Kyari unveiled his “Roadmap to Global Excellence” anchored on the TAPE Agenda. TAPE represents Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence; concepts that were hitherto unknown in the organisation.

Kyari’s magic wand played out as he moved the company from a loss-making company to a profitable one in 2020 when, for the first time in its 44 years history, the NNPC declared a profit after tax of N287 billion. This went up to N674 billion in 2021 and was expected to hit N2 trillion in the 2022 financial period.

Just a few days ago, the company reported N2.5 trillion, about $2.8 billion in income for the 16-month period to December 2022, a strong indication that the reforms and policy initiated by the GCEO have turned around the country’s oil fortunes after decades of losses for the national oil and gas company.

The retention of Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari by President Bola Tinubu as the group chief executive officer of the company further demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s recognition of Kyari’s hard work at the NNPC Limited.

Kyari’s declaration of war against crude oil theft and illegal refineries has led to a significant spike in oil production. In addition, Nigeria has regained its position as the largest crude oil producer in Africa, ahead of Algeria’s 1.021 million barrels/day and Angola’s 1.088mb/d.

The NNPC Limited has adopted the Saudi Aramco’s model of using video surveillance to monitor its pipelines carrying crude oil from wells to flow stations in the Niger Delta.

So far, over 22 million litres of stolen crude have been recovered through intelligence provided by the Data Centre.

Similarly, over 22 million litres of diesel, 0.15 million litres of premium motor spirit, and 0.76 million litres of kerosene have also been recovered from criminals.

The passage of the PIA gave birth to the new, refreshed, and rejuvenated NNPCL.

The birth of the NNPCL in 2021 wound up the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), after 46 years of operation.

The PIA empowered NNPCL to operate like every private company in Nigeria, with exemption from the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public Procurement Act, and TSA, in order to avoid any excuses for failure.

Following this milestone, Kyari initiated new investment benchmarks to further rejuvenate the once ineffective company.

In September last year, the NNPCL sealed the acquisition of OVH, making it add to its assets a reception jetty (ASPM) with a 240,000MT monthly capacity, eight LPG plants, three lubes blending plants, three aviation depots, and 12 warehouses.

Also, Oando’s 380 fuelling stations have been added to NNPC’s existing stations, making it the largest in Africa. Through the deal, NNPC is leveraging Oando’s coverage across Africa to become a leading energy company. The acquisition, under Kyari’s leadership as the GCEO of NNPC Ltd, shows his vision to make the NNPC a formidable force in the global energy market.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco and was conceived during the visit of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Nigeria in December 2016.

The Pipeline Cooperation Agreement for the project was executed in 2017. The pipeline length is 5,300 kilometres from Nigeria to Dakhla (Morocco) and 1,700 kilometres (onshore) from Dakhla (Morocco) to Northern Morocco. The pipeline capacity for the project is 30BCM per year, which is equivalent to 3.0 BSCFD.

The footprints of Kyari in the oil and gas sector were also felt recently as the NNPCL secured $7 billion fresh investments from India for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry and many others.

Engr. Abiodun Komolafe

NUPRC: Regulatory Agency of the Year

With the signing into laws of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the subsequent transformation of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the appointment of Engr. Abiodun Komolafe as Chief Executive, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has never been the same again.

NUPRC has become the rallying point for the Nigerian oil industry, providing direction to navigate for efficient and effective production in the value chain, which in turn is yielding more revenue to the government’s purse.

The Commission’s relentless efforts have been instrumental in maintaining rigorous oversight and enforcing adherence to industry standards, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Through strategic initiatives and proactive measures, NUPRC has consistently demonstrated its dedication to fostering a conducive environment for responsible exploration and production activities.

The recognition bestowed upon NUPRC highlights the agency’s pivotal role in driving regulatory excellence and fostering investor confidence in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector. As the nation’s leading regulatory body, NUPRC has continued to set a benchmark for regulatory practices, serving as a beacon of integrity and effectiveness in the dynamic landscape of Africa’s petroleum industry which reaffirms NUPRC’s position as a trailblazer in regulatory governance, reinforcing its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency in overseeing the operations of oil and gas stakeholders in Nigeria.

With the adoption by the Commission of improved transparency in hydrocarbon measurement and accounting, collaborative work programme administration with the exploration & production companies, and close monitoring to ensure that they meet their work programme obligations, Nigeria’s oil production has risen to an average of 1.586 million barrels per day made up of 1.33mbpd liquid production and 256,000 condensate oil production from 1.23 million barrels in 2022.

Managing Director/CEO, Mr. George Olutope Onafowokan

COLEMAN CABLE & WIRES: Local Content Company of the Year

Coleman Cable & Wires Limited (Coleman) whose Managing Director/CEO is Mr. George Olutope Onafowokan was incorporated on the 1st of July 1975 and started production in 1996 with the principal operation of manufacturing electrical wires and cables that meet international standards for oil firms, commercial and residential buildings.

Currently, the company is the largest wires and cables manufacturer in Africa. It produces 75% wires and cables being used for the construction of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 in Bonny, Rivers State.

The company was founded on the principles of developing local industries that would in turn create jobs through the production of good quality products.

Coleman Wires and Cables is committed to manufacturing consistent quality wires and cables that “meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.

“We ensure continual improvement of our processes and services delivery through staff development, motivation and creation of a conducive work environment towards achieving utmost customer satisfaction,” Mr. Onafowokan said.

An Accountant by profession, George Olutope Onafowokan obtained a combined Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom (UK).

He thereafter obtained a Masters’ degree in Management and Information Systems (Combined) from University of Salford, U.K.

He started his career in Packard Bell, UK, as Field Manager, where he did excellently in sales and marketing as well as customer relations. He thereafter joined PC World UK as Business Accounts Manager and later, Gem International UK Limited as the pioneer Managing Director.
He returned to Nigeria in 2002 to lead the team to restructure Coleman Technical Industries Limited, manufacturer of Coleman Wires & Cables.

Through his leadership, the company has grown to be an industry leader in the cable manufacturing industry by producing Coaxial TV/Video & Cat 5/Cat 6 cables which are firsts in Nigeria & West Africa, and have taken it a notch higher by building the First High Voltage XLPE cable production plant in West Africa, making Nigeria the Sixth country of production in Africa.

Chairman, Engr. Kola Balogun

MOMAS: Most Innovative Company of the Year

Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL), whose chairman is Engr. Kola Balogun, is an indigenous electricity meters manufacturing company with different range of products. Momas has defied stereotypes in the industry by locally manufacturing the first dual tariff meter in the world that can switch from on-grid to off-grid with accurate data measurements.

Besides, the company last year invented a distribution enhancement substation transformer which is being used to distribute power. The panel protects circuit and power equipment from overload, under-voltage, short-circuit, single phase grounding and other malfunctions. The panel has a high performance 32-bit ARM microprocessor which is used to carry out signal processing and intelligent control in real time.

The panels which are produced in large quantities by MOMAS are being deployed by the electricity distribution companies across the country.

The company has successfully carved a niche for itself in terms of innovative inventions in the power sector, tailored at addressing some of the challenges in the nation’s power sector.

Some of Momas’ feats are:

.Development of vending/billing management applications and support services for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (erstwhile National Electric Power Authority) now electricity distribution companies in Nigeria.
.Invention and designing of the prepaid energy meter in Nigeria.
.Invention and designing of the Dual tariff energy meter in Nigeria to address the energy supply peculiarity in the country.
.Designing and production of electricity Meter boxes of all kinds.
.Establishment of the first metering school in Africa to train youths on metering technology.
.Invention of a Distribution Power Enhancement Panel (DPEP) for both 11kva and 33kva power sub-stations to address commercial and technical energy losses.

Engineer Kola Balogun, the Chairman MOMAS Group, comprising of Momas Systems Nigeria Ltd, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd, Momas Electrical Fittings and Accessories Manufacturing Company Ltd (MEFAMCOL), Momas Logistics Nigeria Ltd, Momas Metering School, Momas Power Generation Ltd and Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL).

A graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Kwara State Polytechnic and a post graduate diploma from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Balogun is a chartered public private partnership specialist from IPS Virginia, United State of America and an honorary Distinguished Member of the Centre for Democracy Governance in Africa (DMCDGA). I am also a distinguished Fellow of the Courier and Logistics Management Institute (FCLMI) and MEMMCOL is also a corporate Fellow. I was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Janus, USA. He was recently honored by the Prestigious Summit University, Offa, Kwara State with the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science (ScD) Honoris Causa in recognition of my achievements and contributions to the development of science, technology, research and innovation in Nigeria. In the same vein, Ballsbridge University in conjunction with the Courier and Logistics Management Institute also conferred me with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in electrical metering engineering.

Due to my ingenious and indelible footprints in various sectors of Engineering And other affiliative sectors which includes Ministries, Departments, Directorates and Agencies in Nigeria, he was recognized as a Pathfinder per Excellence. These recognitions facilitated my appointment as a Member of the Governing Board of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), representing the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria. I am member of the strategic implementation Committee on the new COREN ACT, he was appointed as an erudite judge of the 2021 Maiden edition of the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon, a novel concept created to empower young talented Engineering Students from across Nigerian Universities, I am a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE); Member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and also a member of the Nigerian Association of Technologist in Engineering (NATE)

Balogun started his career from a humble beginning with Microchips Nigeria Limited where I rose to a senior management position and after my exit from Microchips, he established Momas Systems Nigeria Limited in 1995 as an information technology solution provider and computer maintenance company. The company later went into energy meter supply which being imported and was very profitable but because of my patriotic desire to reposition Nigeria towards national development, it was then resolved to work towards bringing down the technology of prepayment energy meter manufacturing into the country and today the technology has been domesticated through my efforts and investment on research and development, training and retraining.

My versatility was put to test in 1996 when I resolved a major technical problem on the management system of the National Electric Power Authority (now PHCN) which before then usually required deployment of experts from South Africa. This singular act opened opportunities for Momas Systems Nigeria Limited in the power sector and it evolved to be a robust and formidable metering / energy solution provider in the sector. It became the first indigenous company to deploy, install and manage prepayment metering solution in the country and parts of its remarkable achievements is the invention of the first software billing applications system (auditing and reporting application) for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (erstwhile National Electric Power Authority) now Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

My desire, passion and vision to deepen technology, research and development so as to contribute to the development of the power sector led me into embedded system design (ESD) and because of this, I established Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd (MEMMCOL) in 2011 as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Company that engages in

the manufacturing, supplying and installation of various types of smart meters and its various applications. MEMMCOL is responsible for most of the notable inventions in the downstream of the power sector and some of the inventions are: Dual tariff energy meter, single phase and three (3) phase Din Rail smart electricity meters, various types of electricity meters enclosures and the Distribution Power Enhancement Panel (DPEP) for both for 11kva and 33kva power substations.

I am most concerned about youth empowerment; this is why I established Momas Metering School (MMS) in 2018, it is the first of its kind in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It was also another patriotic initiative by Momas Group to systemically bridge the manpower gap that is affecting energy metering technology deployment in other to facilitate best practices in energy metering and electrical installations in the power sector. It seeks to also empower the youth and individual in the society.

Because of my ideology of proferring solution to critical national challenges, I leveraged on my knowledge base and experience in the Power sector to dabbledinto the production of security and defence equipment. This resulted into the establishment of Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in 2017. EPAIL as a smart security company that provides technological solutions to combat security challenges through research, design,development and manufacturing of defense equipment and provision of IT security solutions. My commitment brought about the vision of making sufficient technological security solutions for the protection of lives, properties, critical national assets and personnel. I am currently the secretary of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN).

In view of all my aforementioned achievements in the power and defence sectors, the Federal Government of Nigeria has recognized and certified Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd (MEMMCOL) and Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the downstream of the power sector and defence sector respectively.

Chief Executive Officer, Osayande Igiehon

HEIRS ENERGIES, Emerging Oil Company of the Year

Heirs Energies Limited (former HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited) is Africa’s foremost integrated energy company, committed to meeting the continent’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. With headquarters in Nigeria, Heirs Energies is led by a team of world-class professionals having extensive experience cutting across multiple energy jurisdictions. Heirs Energies takes pride in capturing burgeoning opportunities in the energy space and creating value across the continent in line with its parent company – Heirs Holdings’ driving philosophy of Africapitalism.

Heirs Energies operates at the highest safety, health, and environmental standards with strong community relationships supported by strong corporate governance and accountability frameworks. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

Heirs Energies’ oil production has grown from about 27,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the take-over of operational control in January 2021, to a peak of over 50,000bpd 100 days later by October 5, 2021.

Oil losses, which had reached a peak of 97% late 2021 due to theft, have now been reduced to less than 15%, with definitive actions taken by the government in collaboration with operators to address the pipeline security and related concerns.

Heirs Energies has become an important contributor to the domestic gas supply in Nigeria. It achieved its first gas from the Agbada Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Plant on November 21, 2021, after taking over the project in May 2021.The significance of this milestone is accentuated by the fact that the Agbada NAG plant had been under construction for over 10 years by the previous operator and upon takeover, the company demonstrated capability and expertise by quickly bringing the plant to mechanical completion and identifying further growth opportunities. It is gratifying to note that 100% of gas produced by Heirs Energies goes into the domestic market to meet local demand, providing energy for thousands of households, supplementing power plants, and supporting various gas-reliant industries in the region.

Also, the company started up Train 2 of the Agbada NAG, at the 80mmscf/d capacity gas production facility located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. With this facility, Heirs Energies has expanded its footprint within the domestic gas market, allowing for an increased supply to gas-based industries and gas-powered electricity generators.

Mr. Abdulaziz Sule,

TCN MD: Civil Servant of the Year

Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz is, no doubt, a man with special shock absorbers, very intelligent and tolerant. Since his appointment in 2019 as the Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abdulaziz’s unwavering determination has brought about massive investments and transformation which has led to increased efficiency, technologies, dedicated personnel, strategic measures, and collaborative partnerships in the electricity sector.

Under his leadership, the Nigerian power grid last year, recorded an unparalleled period of stability in the history of the power sector, operating without any major disruptions or systems collapse for an impressive span of 400 consecutive days.

This milestone signifies a remarkable advancement in the nation’s efforts at strengthening its power infrastructure and ensuring a reliable and dependable electricity supply to distribution load centres for onward distribution to electricity customers nationwide.

Besides, Nigeria witnessed massive investments in substations amounting to over 1,500MW.

Before his confirmation on the 4th of April 2022, Engr Abdulaziz was appointed Acting Managing Director of TCN on 19th May 2020, responsible for the overall supervision of the transmission network operations and maintenance, system operations and market administration.

He was the General Manager (Projects) at the corporate headquarters and subsequently the Regional Transmission Manager of Shiroro and Abuja Regions of TCN.

Engr. Abdulaziz joined the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) in 1996 as Manager, Electrical, and rose through the ranks to become the Senior Manager, and subsequently the Principal Manager, Projects, in the defunct Power Holding Company (PHCN), in charge of and supervising various project sites nationwide.

NIGER DELTA POWER HOLDING COMPANY: Infrastructure Development Company of the Year

Despite being primarily, a generation company with about 4,000MW already connected to national grid, NDPHC has made significant achievements in transmission and distribution projects, including the completion and delivery of 83 transmission projects, consisting of fifty 330/132/33kV Substations, twenty 330 kV transmission lines, and thirteen 132kV transmission lines. Furthermore, your company has executed over 374 distribution projects, comprising 33/11 kV injection substations, and has achieved an impressive transformation capacity of 4,195 MVA.

Some exceptional projects completed by the company include construction of 2,194 kilometres of 330kV Transmission Lines, 887 kilometres of 132kV Transmission Lines, ten new 330/132kV Substations, and eight new 132/33kV Substations. These projects have significantly contributed to the National Grid, adding 5,590MVA of 330kV/132kV transformation capacity and 3,493MVA of 132kV/33kV transformation capacity. Additionally, NDPHC has built a state-of-the-art switching station in Ikot Ekpene, with provisions for 12 transmission lines, and commissioned a 2x60MVA, 132kV/33kV substation in Kobape, Abeokuta, capable of deploying up to 100MW. Furthermore, the company completed a 2x160MVA substation in Awka, with a capacity to send out 100MW, and recently constructed a mega substation in Lafia, Nasarawa State, with a transmission capacity of 2x60MVA and 2×150 MVA 330kV/132kV/33kV, intended to electrify Lafia and its surrounding areas; with the potential for back-feeding Abuja.

As the largest integrated power company in West Africa, NDPHC has been consistent in its determination to break barriers to the provision of electricity to industrial clusters and communities. It has, so far, signed at least 250 megawatts bilateral power purchase agreements with some DisCos and other entities. Notably, the Business Roundtable Chaired by Vice President, Kashim Shetima, at Agbrara Industrial Estate in Ogun State, last year, aims to supply industries, previously reliant on expensive alternative power, with adequate, reliable, and cheaper grid power.

The National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was conceived in 2004 as a fast-track government funded initiative to stabilize Nigeria’s electricity supply system while the private-sector-led structure of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005 took effect. NIPP was originally designed around seven medium sized gas fired power stations in the gas producing states, and the critical transmission infrastructure needed to evacuate the added power into the national grid. A commitment to electrify host communities in the vicinity of the power stations and major substations gave rise to the distribution component of the project.

In August 2005, the National Council of State and the National Assembly approved an initial funding for NIPP from the excess crude savings account’ (ECSA). The Federal Government, therefore, incorporated the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) as a limited liability company to serve as the legal vehicle to hold the NIPP assets, using private sector-oriented best business practices. It is a private limited liability company with shareholding fully subscribed by Federal, states and local governments with the mandate to manage National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

The company’s key mandate was the commitment to 10 power plants also referred to as ‘The Big Ten,’ across 10 gas-producing states: Ondo, Ogun, Kogi, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Imo, Delta, and Cross River states. The ten power plants have a designed ISO capacity of 5,067MW, 102 transmission lines and substation projects and over 291 distribution-injection substations and gas infrastructure with over 22 completely self-protected transformers among other critical projects.

So far, eight of the ten power plants in the NIPP portfolio, along with associated gas transmission metering/receiving infrastructure projects to support commercial operation, have been commissioned and connected to the national grid, contributing over 22,000,000kWHr of energy daily, subject to the availability of gas fuel and dispatch by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Most of the NIPP power plants on the national grid also provide ancillary services like spinning reserve to support the system operations, a contribution critical for stabilizing the national grid. The NDPHC has over 3,000MW of generation capacity available for deployment if the grid permits and this represents the best opportunity for the rapid improvement of power supply to teaming Nigerians.

The NDPHC has completed 2,194km of 330kV transmission lines and 809km of 132kV transmission lines. This represents an increase of 46% and 13% respectively over the pre-NIPP status of grid infrastructure. A total of ten new 330/132kV substations and seven new 132/33kV substations have also been completed, with several other existing substations significantly expanded thereby adding 5,590MVA and 3,313MVA capacity to the national grid.

So far, the NDPHC has deployed 20,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS) across 12 states in its programme tagged “Beyond the Grid Project” Phase I through its renewable energy department.

Over time, NDPHC has metamorphosed into a leading electricity utility monolith in Nigeria and Africa at large. With its assets spread across the electricity supply value chain, NDPHC remains the largest power assets owner in the country and has demonstrated over time its capacity in not just to build these facilities but also able to put in place excellent management models to operate them. The company’s holding in the power generation subsector is unmatched in the country.

Its current Managing Director, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, is an Electric Energy Law specialist who qualified as a lawyer over 30 years ago, and possesses an extensive experience in electricity industry reform, power project documentation and privatisation. He served as an embedded legal consultant to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) where he participated actively in electric power reforms and in negotiating and concluding several successful privatisation transactions. He also acted as a counsel in the transaction advisory team to BPE where he actively contributed to and coordinated the legal work stream for the privatisation of 20 successor electricity companies created out of the erstwhile utility in Nigeria, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Limited.

He is assisted in the position by other executive directors including Alhaji Babayo Shehu, Executive Director Finance & Administration, and Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, Executive Director, Networks. Other current Executive Directors are Mrs. Nkechiyelu Mba, Corporate Services; Alhaji Kassim Abdullahi, Generation, and Dr. Steven Andzenge, Legal Services and Company Secretary.

GOV. ABDULLAHI SULE, NASARAWA STATE

GOV. ABDULLAHI SULE, NASARAWA STATE: Energy Governor of the Year North

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has brought transformation to the state. Under his watch, Nasarawa State will soon become a crude oil producing state as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited discovered crude oil in Agwatashi and Assakio communities in Obi Local Government Area of the state. Also, the state, last year, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NNPCL to enable the company to commence the drilling of oil in Keana Local Government Area without any hitches.

Last year, the Power Minister, Bayo Adelabu, commissioned a 352-kilowatt peak solar mini-grid in the state.

The project was developed by PowerGen and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), to launch a solar mini-grid in Toto, in the state.

The 352 kwp kilowatts peak of solar power interconnected hybrid mini-grid plant is the first of its kind in Nigeria designed to provide electricity to households and businesses in the area.

The project was developed through the World Bank-funded Performance-Based Grant (PBG) under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

The Nasarawa State Government has partnered with the Nigeria Off-Grid Market Acceleration Programme to ensure the rapid development and implementation of the state’s energy projects, and enhance its power and sustainability agenda.

Also last year, Governor Sule inaugurated the 7.5 KVA power sub-station in Doma Local Government Area of the state.

The project which was abandoned for several years by previous administrations cost N370 million. These and many others are energy sector-based projects executed by the state governor.

Gov. Sule who was a co-founder of Sadiq Petroleum and also as Managing Director of African Petroleum (AP) was born on December 26, 1959, in Gudi station, Akwanga-West Development Area of Nasarawa State. He was brought up in a small, but multi-ethnic and multi-religious village. His father, Alhaji Sule, is the current traditional ruler (Hakimi) while his grandfather, Abdullahi Angulu, was the first traditional ruler of Gudi station.

Abdullahi Sule began his education at the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School, Gudi Station, in 1968. Upon completion, he proceeded to the Zang Secondary Commercial School, Bukuru, in 1974.

In 1977, he passed his SSCE in Bukuru, before proceeding to Plateau State Polytechnic, Barki Ladi and later Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, USA, towards the end of 1980.

Through determination, extra classes and hard work, he utilized a four-year scholarship to obtain both BSc (1983) and MSc (1984) degrees in Mechanical Technology respectively from the same Indiana State University, USA.

His work experience began in 1980 when he was offered employment by the Plateau Electricity Corporation, Jos, even before graduation in May 1980. Upon graduation from Government Technical College, Bukuru, he worked for about three months with the corporation before proceeding to Plateau State Polytechnic, in September 1980.

Abdullahi Sule did his compulsory National Youth Service (NYSC) with the Plateau Utilities Board, Jos, and later joined the Jos Steel Rolling Company Ltd in 1985 as a production engineer.

In 1987, he received accelerated promotion from GL 9 to GL 12 in recognition of his performance and hard work. He later left Jos Steel Rolling Company as a principal production engineer in 1989 and returned to the United States.

On returning to the US, Abdullahi Sule went to Texas (San Antonio and later Houston) where he worked for the following companies: Lancer Corporation, San Antonio; OEM Components, Houston; Houston Engineering, Houston; Morgan Performance, Houston; Dril-Quip Incorporated, Houston and Osyka Corporation, Houston.

He worked in various capacities from workshop engineer to computer numerical control (CNC) programmer, NCN operator, facility engineer, project/production engineer and, finally, the director of business development for Africa and the Middle East for Osyka Corporation.

He returned to Nigeria in the year 2000 and along with some friends, started a company called Sadiq Petroleum Nigeria Limited in Lagos and was made the pioneer Managing Director/CEO.

Later that year, Sadiq Petroleum Company participated in the privatisation of African Petroleum Plc and won the bid. Upon acquisition of the 30% ownership of AP in November 2000, Abdullahi Sule was appointed AP MD/CEO on April 2, 2001. He resigned in July 2006 to take up another job with an American multinational oil service company called Tetra International in July 2006 as a Director of Business Development/Country Manager.

While in AP as the MD/CEO, he also served as a Director in IMB International Bank
Plc, Ulti-Care Pharmaceutical and Chrismatel Holdings. He was also the chairman of AP Oilfield Service Ltd and Partner in star-AP Oilfield Services.

Abdullahi Sule was a director at the Dangote Group between 2010 and 2011. He was also the Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc between 2011 and 2018 when he stepped down to contest the Nasarawa State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ms. Chantelle Abdul

CHANTELLE ABDUL, CEO (POWER)

Chantelle Abdul is an international business executive, a serial entrepreneur and a consummate businesswoman, with over 15 years’ experience in originating, founding and operating hyper growth startups and budding companies across Africa, Asia, Europe & America- traversing a plethora of sectors, from Power & Energy to Agriculture, Mining, Real Estate and Hospitality.

She is the Group Managing Director/CEO of Mojec Group under whose leadership, Mojec International has grown into the largest meter manufacturing empire; evolving into a conglomerate and an undisputed market leader in the industry, with diversified interests in the power value chain, cutting across power generation to distribution, manufacturing, supply, financing & meter installation.

Chantelle Abdul is an alumnus of George Washington University and also has other Academic pursuits in Harvard Business School and Wharton Junior Executive programmes. She has received several accolades and awards including the CEO of the Year award, the Female Power Sector Pioneer award, and the Next Bulls’ awards by The Nigerian Stock Exchange. In 2020, she was nominated by the London Stock Exchange on “Companies that Inspire Africa.”

In 2015, she was one of the women selected across the continent by the UN & ECOWAS to feature in a documentary film about women entrepreneurs blazing the trail in male dominated sectors. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Leadership Business Person of the Year award.

Chantelle is currently a non-executive of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a life member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria (M.IoD), the Chairperson, Board of Trustees of the Meter Manufacturers & Assemblers Association of Nigeria (MMAAN).

She is passionate about women empowerment, and is the Visionaire of a Venture Women Fund (VWF), a Women Empowerment Initiative, whose goal is to create a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for Women by providing access to capital, technology, networking, and other support services including mentorship, and investment opportunities.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

ENERGY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

Edo’s Bold and Transformative Energy Sector Reforms Under Governor Godwin Obaseki

The story of the bold and transformative reforms in Edo’s energy sector under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki is one of grit and passion, which has today transformed the State as a first mover in off-grid power reforms and a model for harnessing energy resources to engender sustainable growth and development.

Leveraging private capital, Governor Obaseki has creatively navigated the murky waters of regulatory restrictions that hindered growth in the nation’s electricity and refining sectors, ensuring the enabling environment and incentives to attract and retain investors in the energy sector.

On the back of these reforms, Edo State is today home to two operational modular refineries, including the 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company (ERPC) Limited and the 2,500bpd Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL) and boasts of a total of about 744MW of energy pool, including the 95MW Ossiomo Power IPP and the 461MW Azura Power IPP, which is connected to the National Grid.

Others are the 50MW facility which provides steady electricity to the 10,000 barrels per day modular refinery at Duport Midstream Energy Park; the 78MW plant at BUA plant that powers two lines of the company’s 6mtpa plant, and the 60MW IPP at Dangote Cement factory in Okpella, which provides electricity to the company’s 6mtpa factory.

Governor Obaseki, from the onset, understood that the state required stable power to drive its industrialization plans, which became the genesis of the unprecedented revolution in the state’s electricity sector with the birthing of an off-grid power solution through the Ossiomo Power Project – a project midwifed with a power purchase agreement (PPA), with its transmission line connected to government establishments, streetlights and industrial clusters in Benin metropolis.

Apart from investment in the Azura 450MW and support for the 95MW Ossiomo Power projects, the Government also passed a law setting up the Edo State Electricity Commission, establishing an independent electricity market to attract investors to generate and distribute electricity within Edo State, particularly to underserved communities.

With the support for the establishment of two functional refineries, the governor has amplified the State’s new status as Nigeria’s hub for industrialization and hydrocarbons. The refineries have so far placed an order for 300,000 barrels of crude for refining in their facilities.

While the ERPC in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area produces diesel, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), naptha for use within the country and export, the DMCL, in Egbokor, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State, in addition to the 50MW power plant boasts of a modular refinery, a data centre, and gas processing facility.

Obaseki’s visionary leadership style serves as a shining example of effective governance and shows the immense potential for socioeconomic growth when leaders possess the foresight and courage to pursue bold and pragmatic strategies for the development and betterment of their people.

The governor is determined to deliver the greater good for the greater majority of Edo people and has in the past eight years continued to demonstrate his commitment to the long-term stability and prosperity of Edo State and Nigeria, deploying his foresight and innovative approach to governance to propel the State to economic growth and prosperity.

UBA, ENERGY BANK OF THE YEAR

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been a major partner to most energy companies in Nigeria with itself a major shareholder in Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.

UBA has a strong track record in the resources sector across Africa, having facilitated similar oil prepayment deals with the NNPC. UBA was also responsible for the EUR 240million Revolving Crude Oil Financing Facility for the Société Africaine de Raffinage and in Congo Brazzaville and co-funded the $250million crude oil prepayment facility for Orion Oil Limited.

Besides, the bank also provided funds for Ughelli Power plant, which Transcorp Group acquired during the privatisation of the power sector in 2013, demonstrating the group’s transformative prowess.

“The plant’s available capacity, which stood at 160MW on acquisition, increased by 227% to 680.83MW in 4 years, surpassing the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) five-year target of 670MW.

Late last year, the bank and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) disbursed initial $2.25 billion under an advance payment facility for crude oil, worth a total of $3.3 billion, sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). A second tranche of $1.05 million is expected to be granted at a later date.

UBA acted as local arranger and onshore account bank for the transaction, which is expected to alleviate currency illiquidity and stabilize the Nigerian foreign exchange market. The transaction is seen as another important step in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.

NLNG, GAS BRAND of the YEAR

With Train 7 reaching 52% completion stage in less than two years after construction work began last year, Nigeria LNG became one of the fastest growing LNG companies in the world hence winning the Gas Brand of the Year award.

For over 10 years, NLNG’s intervention in the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas, to the domestic market under the NLNG Domestic LPG (DLPG) Scheme has helped to reduce the use of dirty fuel sources for cooking. It has also stimulated growth in the industry by guaranteeing LPG supply, availability, affordability and enabling the development of a value network for a sustainable ecosystem towards a better Nigeria.

Between 2007 and 2018, NLNG cumulatively supplied over 1,452kt of LPG to the domestic market, spurring a steady rise in annual domestic consumption in a market that was below 50kt per annum in 2007 to over 600kt per annum in 2018. To ensure steady supply of products, deliveries are made through NLNG’s dedicated vessel chartered for the DLPG Scheme.

In continuous demonstration of its commitment to its vision of “helping to build a better Nigeria,” NLNG has committed to delivering 100% of its LPG production to the domestic market through Nigerian companies with whom it has signed Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs). The number of these off-takers has increased from six at the inception of the DLPG Scheme in 2007 to 43 in 2021.

NLNG has also over the years paid dividends of about $18 billion to the Federal Government of Nigeria courtesy of its shareholding in the company, via the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

As a good corporate citizen, NLNG also contributes to national wealth and the economic wellbeing of states in which it operates, by paying all applicable taxes and tariffs. The company has paid about $9 billion in taxes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Florida Okunowo JP Miss

Erelu Florida Okunowo JP Miss, was the pioneer Coordinator and Secretariat Manager for the Nigerian Association of Indigenous Petroleum Explorers & Producers (NAIPEC) from October 4, 1993 to December 2019. She has an undying love and passion for oil & gas indigenous participation from its inception in 1990 till now. All the notable producers went through her able mentoring & Government Relations expertise with strength in industry Liaisons between the Presidency, Government & other relevant Regulatory Agencies.

MRS AUDREY JOE-EZIGBO: Amazon of Nigerian Gas Industry

Over the years, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo has been a leading example with unwavering spirit, championing and executing projects to deepen domestic Natural Gas consumption and utilisation in Nigeria and across Africa.

The flag-off of the construction of a multi-million naira natural gas infrastructure project at the Lagos Free Zone by a consortium, Optimera Energy, of which she is the Managing Director, when completed will, no doubt, address the gaps in energy access, job creation as well as enabling sustainable value for its stakeholders. The infrastructure comprises a 25MMScf/D City Gate Station, scalable to 100MMScf/D, together with necessary ancillary infrastructure which includes 10km distribution lines within the zone as well as a 6.5km x 10 inches gas pipeline from the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System tie-in point in the Lekki corridor outside the zone to Optimera City Gate Station at the Lagos Free Zone. Optimera Energy signed a 20-year Gas Infrastructure Development Agreement (GIDA) with the Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC) to connect off-takers to Optimera Energy gas distribution infrastructure within the zone.

Since 1994, Mrs. Joe-Ezigbo has been instrumental to successfully growing the company from minor oil services contracting to being a major player in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry as a licensed distributor of Natural Gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in dedicated distribution zones with annual revenues of several billions of naira currently.

An accomplished professional, Audrey holds several Masters’ degrees in Finance, Marketing and Business Administration from the Lagos Business School, University of Nigeria, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She also holds several executive certifications in Management, Leadership and Governance from Harvard Business School, IE Business School, and the WIMBOARD Institute.

Audrey is the immediate past President (2018-2021) of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), the umbrella association and voice for businesses and professionals involved in the Nigerian Gas industry. She is the first woman to have occupied the position of NGA President in the association’s 22-year history.

A seasoned energy expert, Audrey is a Fellow of the Energy Institute, UK (FEI), the global body for energy experts. She is the Vice Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria’s Energy & Power committee. She is a founding member of Women in Energy Network (WiEN); a member and global role model for Women in LPG (WiNLPG) Nigeria chapter; and a member of the Nigeria Content Development; Monitoring Board (NCDMB) NCCF Diversity Sectoral Working Group.

She was recognized as one of the Leading Ladies in Africa and 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria 2019. She was listed on the 2021 100 Most Powerful Women in the Oil and Gas category, and recognized as one of top 100 Outstanding Female Executives in the African Oil and Gas Industry 2021.

DR. TAIWO AFOLABI (MON), Maritime Man of the Year

TAIWO AFOLABI (MON), Maritime Man of the Year

From a small beginning, the company, SIFAX Group, which started as a freight forwarding agency in Lagos in 1988 by Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, now the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has been transformed and currently operates across the world with presence in the United States, Ghana and Djibouti, among others.

Some of the Group’s subsidiaries include Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, concessionaire and operator of the Terminal C, Tin Can Island Ports, Apapa Lagos; SIFAX Off Dock Nigeria Limited, a bonded terminal operator; SIFAX Logistics Company Limited, SIFAX Marine Company Limited, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, an aviation ground handling company and SIFAX Shipping Company Limited.

Afolabi, a man of many parts, is currently venturing into Oil and Gas, and Power Sectors with plans to acquire more assets.

With about three decades of rich entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, through a dint of hard work, foresight, resilience, vision and knack for excellence, has emerged not only as one of the leading business icons in Nigeria but also reckoned with across the world.

No doubt, his wealth of experience, organisational prudence and business ingenuity have remained invaluable assets to SIFAX Group, which has become a leading player in the Nigerian economy. The company, alongside its subsidiaries, has generated both direct and indirect employment for thousands of eligible Nigerians.

Afolabi is a seasoned maritime consultant and a fellow of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Institute of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (IFFN) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria.

Born in Ondo to the family of Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Samson Afolabi, from Idokunusi Ijebu in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Afolabi started his educational pursuit at Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Ondo, and thereafter, proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC).

His quest to attain a high level of academic excellence and leadership in advocacy led him to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a degree in Law. He became a member of the noble profession when he was called to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. He later obtained a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the same university.

He began his professional career with a shipping company, Nigerian Express Agencies Limited, where he distinguished himself and rose to become the Head of Operations. With the zeal of entrepreneurship burning in him, he left the company in 1988 to establish what has now turned to a big conglomerate, SIFAX Group, a business interest with diverse investments in Maritime, Aviation, Haulage, Logistics, Oil & Gas and Hospitality, among others.

He has attended several maritime and aviation-related training both locally and internationally on port operations, aviation ground handling operations and management.

Aside from being renowned for his business acumen, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has also established a reputation as a public-spirited individual. His philanthropic philosophy has driven him to give hope and support to many public causes. The major focus of this philanthropic initiative is education, where many schools, from primary to tertiary level have received immense support and assistance.

AUSTIN OJUNEKWU AVURU

Energy Person of the Year

Austin Avuru is the Founder and Executive Chairman of AA Holdings, and, no doubt, wields significant influence in the nation’s energy sector.

His journey is defined by his profound impact on the oil and gas arena.

With more than four decades of remarkable success in Nigeria’s energy landscape, Avuru’s name resonates across the sector as he stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence. His journey began as a well-site geologist and reservoir engineer at NNPC, and he honed his skills at Allied Energy Resources.

In 2002, driven by a fervent desire for value creation, Avuru assembled a team of industry experts to establish Platform Petroleum Limited, where he took on the role of managing director.

Under Austin’s leadership, Platform joined forces with Shebah Exploration and Production Company in 2009 to birth Seplat Energy Plc, partnering with fellow Nigerian energy tycoon, Ambrosie Bryant Orjiako. Subsequently, Seplat acquired a substantial 45% interest in three oil blocks from Shell Nigeria, Total and Agip.

Under his leadership, the company transformed from a modest oil and gas player into a prominent Nigerian energy company, proudly listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Exchange, boasting a market capitalization exceeding $1.35 billion. He retired as CEO of Seplat in 2020 and remains on the Board. He is also the Chairman of AA Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating social-economic change in education and healthcare.

He is a fellow and past President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and recipient of the Aret Adams Award.

He is the author of “Politics, Economics & the Nigerian Petroleum Industry” and co-author of “Nigerian Petroleum Business, A Handbook.” He won the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year award in the Master class category for Nigeria & the West African Sub-region.

As the driving force behind Platform Petroleum, Avuru led the company to become the Operator of the Egbaoma Field in OML 38, located in Delta State’s Ndokwa West Local Government Area. This field is among the 24 marginal fields allocated to indigenous oil companies during the 2004 Marginal Field bid round. In its role as operator, Platform Petroleum oversees daily operations, fosters growth through production optimization, and sustains the field by exploring, appraising, and developing untapped potential within the Egbaoma discovery.

AA Holdings, Avuru’s brainchild, is focused on advancing the financial and philanthropic interests of the Avuru family.

The company invests in ventures that enhance the broader economy and contribute positively to the social development of communities. Its enduring strategic goal is to maintain a diversified portfolio of innovative companies in high-growth sectors, including energy, agriculture, real estate, and equity investing.

SEPLAT ENERGIES: Winner of Corporate Governance of the Year Award

Seplat Energy plc is a foremost indigenous oil company in Nigeria with operatorship of five oil blocks: OMLs 4, 38 & 41, OML 53 and OML 40.

The oil firm funds a significant amount of sustainable community development initiatives to create shared value for communities. The company channels investment to areas that align local priorities to its business objectives while addressing the people’s broader development.

A leading supplier of processed natural gas to the expanding Nigerian domestic market with gas volumes of averaged 112.3 million metric standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), 30% of processed gas used for electricity in Nigeria.

In 2023, the company committed $11.5 million in 2023 to projects that would end routine flares in its operations, including $10.8 million towards installing gas compression facilities at the flow stations in Amukpe, Oben and Sapele, and $0.7 million towards incineration at the Amukpe flow station.

With a significantly high indigenous workforce of 98%, Seplat Energy seeks to ensure that there is a positive multiplier effect on the local economy through significant local content spend, enhancing the company’s local supply chain and contributing to a thriving and competitive local market. Seeking to use local business partners has also simultaneously reduced its operating costs and project risks by developing a mutually-beneficial relationship with the company’s local partners.

In 2023, the company grew its revenue by 31.0% to $810.4 million by the end of September, compared to $618.6 million as at September 2022.

Despite the challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the company successfully raised its production output to 48,152 boepd, as at September 2023, indicating an increase of 11% from the level in the corresponding period of 2022, thus helping to boost Nigeria’s efforts to meet its Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

The company also successfully reduced its level of indebtedness, with net debt declining to $347.6 million as at the end of September 2023, compared to $452.2 million in the previous year.

In addition, Seplat has committed $1 million towards planting trees across Nigeria as part of afforestation efforts that will capture residual emissions.

Seplat Energy was awarded the ISO 55001 Asset Management certification and is now subject to annual surveillance audits in April 2023 and 2024 and a recertification audit in April 2025 in line with ISO 55001 3-yearly certification renewal cycle.

On 25 February 2022, Seplat announced that it had entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (subject to ministerial and other regulatory approvals) to acquire the entire share capital of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unit for a purchase price of $1,283 million plus up to $300 million contingent consideration.

TotalEnergies: Oil Company of the Year

With huge financial commitment and investments in the Nigerian Oil sector especially last year’s oil discovery on Oil Mining Lease (OML) 102 offshore Nigeria which is coming after the start-up of production of the Ikike tie-back on OML 99 in 2022, TotalEnergies is the oil company of the year.

Last week, the company made history by demonstrating a rare leadership feat in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with zero routine gas flaring in all of its operations across Nigeria. The achievement was not just a practical demonstration of TotalEnergies’ commitment to deliver less carbon-intensive energy to its customers but it aligns with the Nigerian government’s objective to foster a low carbon economy.

TotalEnergies and its partners had also started production from the Akpo West Field on the PML2 licence in Nigeria.

Located 135 kilometres off the coast, Akpo West is tied back to the existing Akpo Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, which started operations in 2009 and produced 124,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2023. By mid-2024, Akpo West will add 14,000 barrels of condensate production per day, to be followed by up to 4 million cubic meters of gas per day by 2028.

The Akpo West development leverages the existing Akpo facilities to keep costs low and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The project’s carbon intensity is expected to be below 5 kg CO2e/boe and will contribute to reducing the average carbon intensity of TotalEnergies’ portfolio.

In Nigeria, TotalEnergies holds interests in around 30 oil mining leases, five of which we operate: onshore OML 58 and offshore OMLs 99, 100, 102 and 130.

NIPCo: Most Innovative Company of the Year (Gas)

With over N100 billion investments in the gas sector to deepen utilisation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) otherwise known as auto-gas in Nigeria in the last 14 years coupled with the establishment of 14 CNG filling stations with six conversion workshops across the country, the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) is the most innovative company of the year.

Series of innovations have been deployed by the company to keep the gas sector alive to the benefit of Nigerians.

As a pioneer of CNG in Nigeria with approval from the Federal Government in 2009, NIPCo has since built the largest CNG network across the country.

The company invested massively in pipelines from Ibafo to Sagamu; another 65 kilometre pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan while others are linking Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta and Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos. Also benefiting from the pipeline network is Ajaokuta, Benin and Abuja.

NIPCO Plc is well known for distribution of White Oil products, CNG and LPG in Nigeria. NIPCO has also pioneered in setting new standards and introducing new products into the country. NIPCO Plc markets its products through strategic business units, NIPCO Retail, nCNG, Nipcogas , Lubricants and now NMCG.

Eterna Oil: Oil Marketing Company Of The Year

ETERNA OIL Plc is one of the prominent players in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector. Through consistent efforts and hard work, ETERNA OIL Plc has become a reliable partner of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in its bid to meet the petroleum products import and supply needs of Nigerians.

The oil company recorded N1.0 9 billion profit in the first quarter of 2023. Profit also increased by 0.9%, reaching N1.09 billion compared to N1.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.

Eterna Oil Plc recorded a revenue increase of 16.25%, reaching N31.18 billion in the first quarter of 2023 compared to N26.82 billion in the same quarter of 2022. The majority of its revenue, amounting to N26.81 billion, was generated from trading activities.

Furthermore, operating expenses also grew by 58%, rising to N1.79 billion in the first quarter of 2023 from N1.14 billion recorded in the same period of 2022.

Eterna Oil Plc is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of lubricating oils and petrochemicals, importation, and bulk/retail sale of petroleum products including PMS, AGO, LPFO, base oils, bitumen, and export of lubricants/fuels, bunkering, gas distribution, and marketing of LPG and LNG. It also provides offshore and onshore oil services, gas processing, equipment supplies services, and other engineering and technical services for the energy sector.

Col. Sani Bello (Rtd), Chairman, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited.

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited

Generation Company Of The Year

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) owners of Kainji, Jebba and Zungeru Hydro Power Plants (HPP) was incorporated and licensed as a power generating company in 2011. The Kainji and Jebba Hydro Power Plants (HPP) with a total installed capacity of 1338.4 MW were acquired through a concession agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria in November 2013. The two hydro plants are cascaded 100km apart with Kainji Dam situated on the upstream of Jebba.

The two hydro power plants have installed capacities of 760MW and 578.4MW, respectively. When the power plants were taken over in November 2013, the total available capacity of the two plants was 482MW-Jebba had 482MW while Kainji was not generating. Today MESL has proudly restored them to 1,002MW. The plants currently generate an average 25% of Nigeria’s power.

Last year, The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) confirmed Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) as the official operator and manager of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant in Niger State. This was when Mainstream Energy emerged as the preferred bidder to operate and manage the hydroelectric power station at $70 million a year for the next 30 years.

Zungeru, which costs approximately $1.3 billion, is reportedly the largest power project completed in Nigeria over the past decade. Additionally, it stands as one of the most significant power ventures in Africa to secure a preferential loan from the Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) of China.

The handover, conducted by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), has turned Nigeria’s MESL into the largest hydropower company in Africa with above 2,000MW. This comes against projections by the World Bank that output from most of the hydropower plants handled by the company may not generate more than 40%.

Under the leadership of Col. Sani Bello, a Nigerian statesman and military administrator who served as Governor of Kano State from 1975 to 1978, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), has become a major factor in NESI