Economy

How Nigeria Can Become A Leading Oil and Gas Supplier To The European Market

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2022

Apart from retaining its position amongst the leading oil and gas producers in Africa in 2022, Nigeria, with over 37 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, has the potential to improve its energy exports to Europe and help address anticipated crude oil and natural gas shortages.

With the European Union planning to ban crude oil imports from Russia by increasing trade with other non-Russian economies and the Russian government promising to cut gas supplies if sanctions from western countries continue, potential supply disruptions to Europe are anticipated. Accordingly, the west African country is expected to ramp up production in 2022 and retain its position as Africa’s largest crude oil producer, a development that will enable Nigeria to increase its energy capacity available for exports.

Nigeria’s annual crude oil production is expected to increase to 1.46 million bpd in 2022, following low production levels in 2021 that were driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will provide an opportunity for Nigeria to increase its exports to Europe, become a global energy hub and to fully make use of its hydrocarbon resources for economic growth. Nigeria heavily relies on its offshore projects to sustain crude oil production and supply, with 65% of the country’s total production in 2022 anticipated to come from such projects. However, this will change with Nigeria’s crude oil production anticipated to decline in 2023 onwards due to decreases in production in legacy fields. Nigeria will have to wait for deep water projects to come online to improve its production capacity, according to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) Q1 2022 Outlook.

“Nigeria needs to ramp up crude oil production on existing discoveries that have not yet materialised to be able to sustain a secure supply in future to meet local, regional and international demand. Lifting of force majeure at the Brass terminal, Bonny NLNG and Okpai Power Plant comes at the right time. We have to continue paying attention on vandalism, sabotage and theft in oilfields. The close collaboration between the government and Industry could not be more important now” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of AEC.

Meanwhile, on the gas front, Nigeria’s massive production capacity in 2022 will place the country among the top three producers in Africa and a potential supplier to meet demand in Europe. Nigeria has an estimated gas reserve of 209 trillion cubic feet and will produce 1,780 billion cubic feet in 2022, up from 1,450 billion feet in 2021. Existing producing projects and the projects currently under development in Nigeria are expected to ensure a resilient supply through 2025. With this portfolio, Nigeria has an advantage for Europe to look up to the west African country as a potential supplier.

In addition, the multi-billion 4,128km Trans-Saharan Natural Gas Pipeline being built by the governments of Nigeria, Niger and Algeria will enable the integration of Trans-Mediterranean, Maghreb-Europe, Medgaz, and Galsi Pipelines for Europe to leverage west and north Africa’s oil and gas resources to meet demand. Once completed, the pipeline will transport 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year and Nigeria, as a leading producer in Africa, can produce a significant share of that capacity.

“Nigeria is rich in oil and gas resources but still does not have adequate infrastructure such as a functioning refinery. In order to utilize its oil and gas resources effectively, Nigeria needs to build more infrastructure locally to process its energy. To be able to build the infrastructure needed, there is a need for direct involvement from a combination of the private and public sector partners,” stated Hendrick Malan, the CEO of energy market research firm, Frost & Sullivan, in an exclusive interview with the AEC.

Additionally, Nigeria’s current natural gas producing fields are expected to see a steep decline as we approach mid-2020s, a worrying situation that can reduce the country’s production capacity. Majors including ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies, who have been top producers of oil and gas in Nigeria, are expected to diversify their portfolios from 2022 onwards and exit the market, a move that might negatively affect production and reduce the ability of the West African country to expand its energy exports to Europe. ExxonMobil has already signed a $1.2 billion deal with local firm Seplat Energy to handover four oil mining licenses and natural gas recovery plants. Factors such as vandalism of infrastructure, a continued lack of investment in new exploration activities and political instability/civil unrest in oil and gas rich regions of Nigeria also continue to disrupt the country’s ability to optimize oil and gas production and increase exports.

Regulatory reforms and market improvement

The recent enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is a game changer for Nigeria’s oil and gas market with the regulation anticipated to increase the entrance of international majors and investors. The PIA is expected to provide clarity to market players on issues around taxation, investment and licensing, that have previously slowed down projects’ deployment. The law will boost investment in oil and gas upstream activities to improve exploration, production, infrastructure development and the country’s energy portfolio.

Despite efforts the Nigerian government has implemented to improve its oil and gas market, the country’s hydrocarbon energy resources remain untapped. Nigeria has not been able to fully leverage its oil and gas reserves to meet local demand and to increase exports. Today, 50% of the Nigerian population is living in energy poverty. AEC’s upcoming annual conference, African Energy Week (AEW) which will take place October 18-21, 2022, in Cape Town, will discuss policy, investment and infrastructure requirements for Nigeria to boost its energy production to meet local demand whilst expanding its energy exports to Europe.

With Europe seeking alternative supply chains to reduce reliance on Russian gas, Nigeria could provide a significant share of the capacity the bloc needs. The European Commission, governments, energy companies and financial institutions can help Nigeria with the funding and technical expertise required to speed up the development of infrastructure for increased production and energy transportation. AEW 2022 will hosts discussions around future Nigeria-Europe partnerships on oil and gas trading.

The African Petroleum Producers Organisation, a consortium of hydrocarbon producing countries, will rally its member countries including Africa’s top oil and gas producers Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Algeria to participate at AEW 2022 and discuss continental energy market trends, opportunities and the role its member states can play to ensure global energy security.

AEW 2022 will host panel discussions, round tables, presentations and high-level meetings about how Nigeria and APPO member states can improve exports to Europe whilst addressing energy poverty at continental level.

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Economy

Federal Government Set to Seal $3.8bn Brass Methanol Project Deal in May 2024

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Federal Government of Nigeria is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone as it prepares to finalize the Gas Supply and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for the $3.8 billion Brass Methanol Project.

The agreement to be signed in May 2024 marks a pivotal step in the country’s journey toward industrialization and self-sufficiency in methanol production.

The Brass Methanol Project, located in Bayelsa State, is a flagship industrial endeavor aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to produce methanol, a vital chemical used in various industrial processes.

With Nigeria currently reliant on imported methanol, this project holds immense promise for reducing dependency on foreign supplies and stimulating economic growth.

Upon completion, the Brass Methanol Project is expected to have a daily production capacity of 10,000 tonnes of methanol, positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global methanol market.

Furthermore, the project is projected to create up to 15,000 jobs during its construction phase, providing a significant boost to employment opportunities in the country.

The successful execution of the GSPA is essential to ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to the Brass Methanol Project.

Key stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, are working closely to finalize the agreement and pave the way for the project’s advancement.

Speaking on the significance of the project, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s keen interest in expediting the Brass Methanol Project.

Ekpo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating the project’s success and harnessing its potential to attract foreign direct investment and drive economic development.

The Brass Methanol Project represents a major stride toward achieving Nigeria’s industrialization goals and unlocking the full potential of its natural resources.

As the country prepares to seal the deal in May 2024, anticipation grows for the transformative impact that this landmark project will have on Nigeria’s economy and industrial landscape.

Economy

IMF Report: Nigeria’s Inflation to Dip to 26.3% in 2024, Growth Expected at 3.3%

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Nigeria’s economic outlook for 2024 appears cautiously optimistic with projections indicating a potential decrease in the country’s inflation rate alongside moderate economic growth.

The IMF’s revised Global Economic Outlook for 2024 highlights key forecasts for Nigeria’s economic landscape and gave insights into both inflationary trends and GDP expansion.

According to the IMF report, Nigeria’s inflation rate is projected to decline to 26.3% by the end of 2024.

This projection aligns with expectations of a gradual easing of inflationary pressures within the country, although challenges such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate fluctuations continue to pose significant hurdles to price stability.

In tandem with the inflation forecast, the IMF also predicts a modest economic growth rate of 3.3% for Nigeria in 2024.

This growth projection reflects a cautious optimism regarding the country’s economic recovery and resilience in the face of various internal and external challenges.

Despite the ongoing efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange market and address macroeconomic imbalances, the IMF underscores the need for continued policy reforms and prudent fiscal management to sustain growth momentum.

The IMF report provides valuable insights into Nigeria’s economic trajectory, offering policymakers, investors, and stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of the country’s macroeconomic dynamics.

While the projected decline in inflation and modest growth outlook offer reasons for cautious optimism, it remains essential for Nigerian authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing underlying structural vulnerabilities and promoting inclusive economic development.

As the country navigates through a challenging economic landscape, concerted efforts towards policy coordination, investment promotion, and structural reforms will be crucial in unlocking Nigeria’s full growth potential and fostering long-term prosperity.

Economy

South Africa’s March Inflation Hits Two-Month Low Amid Economic Uncertainty

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

Samed Olukoya

South Africa’s inflation rate declined to a two-month low, according to data released by Statistics South Africa.

Consumer prices rose by 5.3% year-on-year, down from 5.6% in February. While this decline may initially suggest a positive trend, analysts caution against premature optimism due to various economic factors at play.

The weakening of the South African rand against the dollar, coupled with drought conditions affecting staple crops like white corn and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East leading to rising oil prices, poses significant challenges.

These factors are expected to keep inflation relatively high and stubborn in the coming months, making policymakers hesitant to adjust borrowing costs.

Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, reiterated the bank’s cautious stance on inflation pressures.

Despite the recent easing, inflation has consistently remained above the midpoint of the central bank’s target range of 3-6% since May 2021. Consequently, the bank has maintained the benchmark interest rate at 8.25% for nearly a year, aiming to anchor inflation expectations.

While some traders speculate on potential interest rate hikes, forward-rate agreements indicate a low likelihood of such a move at the upcoming monetary policy committee meeting.

The yield on 10-year bonds also saw a marginal decline following the release of the inflation data.

March’s inflation decline was mainly attributed to lower prices in miscellaneous goods and services, education, health, and housing and utilities.

However, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, remained relatively steady at 4.9%.

Overall, South Africa’s inflation trajectory underscores the delicate balance between economic recovery and inflation containment amid ongoing global uncertainties.