By Adedapo Adesanya

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) has launched a $3 billion Contract Finance Facility in partnership with nine Nigerian banks to improve contractors’ access to funding and strengthen local participation in the oil and gas industry.

The facility is designed to provide credit support for local contractors executing projects for SNEPCo operations and will be available in both Naira and US Dollars.

The participating banks are First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, First City Monument Bank and Fidelity Bank.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos, the SNEPCo Managing Director, Mr Ronald Adams, said, “The initiative reflects the spirit of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which is aimed at in-country value retention.”

“Our partner banks offer capital and discipline. SNEPCo brings contracts and domiciliation of payments that de-risk lending. On their part, the contractors provide performance. Each is accountable to others, and the mutual accountability gives the arrangement its strength,” he added.

Also speaking, the Vice President for Finance at Shell Nigeria, Mr C. J. Akwaeze, said the scheme reflects Shell’s commitment to the growth of oil and gas operations in Nigeria.

The chairman of the indigenous oil and gas contractor group, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr Wole Ogunsanya, represented by Mrs Joan Faluyi, lauded the scheme as a “gateway to unlocking contractor financing issues which will also drive efficiency in contract execution.”

Representatives of the banks commended SNEPCo for the opportunity to partner on an initiative aimed at empowering contractors and assured the company of their continued support and cooperation.

Nigerian companies have continued to play key roles in supporting SNEPCo’s operation and project execution. Earlier this year, 43 wholly Nigerian companies took part in the turnaround maintenance exercise at the Bonga Floating Production and Offloading (FPSO) vessel out of the total of 53 companies involved.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria has joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an associate member, making Africa’s largest crude producer the first member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to do so.

The governing board of the Paris-based agency unanimously agreed for Nigeria to join the IEA family, deepening its cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation in a major advance for global energy governance.

“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA – it is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player. Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks a milestone for global energy governance. I am very thankful to President Tinubu and Minister Ekpo for their trust in the IEA,” said IEA Executive Director, Mr Fatih Birol.

“As Nigeria works to strengthen energy security, support economic growth and expand energy access, deeper cooperation with the IEA will bring important benefits for both sides. We look forward to building on our already strong partnership and welcoming Nigeria to the IEA,” he added.

On his part, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, lauded the decision, saying it will contribute to helping the country utilise its energy resources.

“I am elated with the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country,” he said. “It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency, and I will take this opportunity to encourage the African continent to embrace the IEA, as we all work together to achieve key development goals including universal energy access and industrialisation.”

Nigeria’s growing role in international energy markets has been highlighted by recent developments in its refining sector. During recent periods of market disruption, increased fuel exports from Nigeria helped strengthen resilience in African and international fuel markets.

The IEA, in a statement, noted that Nigeria has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar solutions and is stepping up efforts to expand access to electricity and clean cooking.

The IEA governing board’s decision builds on a strong history of engagement and collaboration between Nigeria and the IEA since 2014.

In September 2025, the IEA, Mr Ekpo as Minister of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) jointly convened a Regional Roundtable on Turning Methane Pledges into Action in Abuja, bringing together energy stakeholders from across the region to advance efforts to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector.

As an associated country, Nigeria and the IEA will work more closely across a wide range of energy issues, including on the Agency’s engagement in sub-Saharan Africa.

Created in 2015, the IEA Association programme allows the agency to deepen ties with its partner countries, bringing together major energy-producing and consuming countries from around the world.

Nigeria joins a network of 13 other Association countries that work with the IEA to advance secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems worldwide. As a result of this expansion, the IEA’s share of global energy demand has increased from 40 per cent in 2015 to over 80 per cent today.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has extended the tenure of Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of its Council for another year.

The decision was taken at the 147th and 148th Council Sessions in Brussels, Belgium, citing his leadership and contributions to global customs administration.

Comptroller Adeniyi returned to Abuja on June 29 to a reception by officers and management of the Nigeria Customs Service at its Maitama headquarters.

The management team also congratulated him on the six-month extension of his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on his return, the Comptroller-General said he had expected to hand over in Brussels, but was instead given a renewed mandate, which he dedicated to the Service.

The extension at both international and national levels is expected to support ongoing reforms, trade facilitation, and partnerships within the Nigeria Customs Service.

The six-month domestic extension is expected to provide continuity for ongoing reforms within the Customs Service while paving the way for a smooth leadership transition.

During the transition period, the Presidency said Mr Adeniyi, working with the Nigeria Customs Service Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years.

Mr Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in the late 1980s and rose steadily through the ranks of the service.

Mr Adeniyi’s first tenure extension was due to expire on August 1, 2026, but President Tinubu approved the additional six months to enable him to complete key reforms within the Customs Service.

The presidency, via a statement, said the extension was granted “to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service.”