Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Jude Chiemeka as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX or The Exchange), effective July 1, 2024.

This follows the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Mr. Chiemeka has been serving as the acting CEO of NGX since January 1, 2024, succeeding Mr. Temi Popoola, who transitioned to the role of Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group.

Mr. Chiemeka brings nearly three decades of experience in African securities trading and asset management to his new role.

His distinguished career includes serving as Executive Director of Capital Markets at NGX and MD/CEO at United Capital Securities Limited.

He has also held significant positions at leading investment banking firms in Nigeria, such as Chapel Hill Denham Securities and Rencap Securities (Nigeria).

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Chiemeka is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, and the University of Oxford, UK.

Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, stated, “This strategic appointment aligns perfectly with our succession plan and reinforces the synergy we continuously foster across our group operations. Mr. Chiemeka’s extensive experience and proven leadership qualities are invaluable assets that will propel NGX towards long-term success. Under his leadership, I am confident that NGX will play an even more pivotal role in contributing to the sustainable growth for both Nigeria’s and Africa’s economies.”

Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited, added, “The Board of NGX is pleased to confirm Mr. Chiemeka’s appointment as CEO of The Exchange. It is our hope and expectation that he will drive growth and innovation, enhance our operational perspectives, democratize investment in the capital market, and unlock opportunities for investors.”

Mr. Temi Popoola, GMD/CEO of NGX Group, commented, “I am delighted to see Mr. Chiemeka step into the role of CEO of NGX. His extensive experience and deep understanding of our markets will be crucial in driving NGX’s growth while aligning with our broader group strategy. I look forward to working closely with him to unlock value and to create new opportunities for stakeholders across the entire NGX Group ecosystem.”

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Chiemeka remarked, “I am honored to be appointed as CEO of NGX at this critical period of The Exchange’s history and my sincere appreciation goes to the Boards of NGX Group and NGX. As we aim to build on our achievements and maximize value for all stakeholders, I look forward to forging strong collaborations with NGX’s exceptional team and the broader capital market community. We are committed to creating a more dynamic and inclusive exchange that fuels Nigeria’s economic growth and competes on the global stage.”

Four international energy giants, Shell Plc, BP Plc, TotalEnergies SE, and Mitsui & Co., have each agreed to invest in Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.’s (Adnoc) latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project, the Ruwais LNG plant.

According to sources familiar with the matter, these companies will each take a 10% stake in the new facility, which is poised to substantially boost the UAE’s LNG export capacity.

The official agreements are expected to be signed as early as next week.

However, the sources, who requested anonymity due to the non-public nature of the information, confirmed the investment details.

The Ruwais LNG plant, set to enhance the UAE’s standing in the global LNG market, will add 9.6 million tons per year to the nation’s export capacity.

Currently, the UAE has the smallest LNG export capacity in the region at 5.8 million tons.

This project will position it as the second-largest LNG exporter in the Middle East, surpassed only by Qatar.

Adnoc’s decision to proceed with the Ruwais project, backed by a $5.5 billion construction contract, came before securing these international investments.

Three of the investors—Mitsui, BP, and TotalEnergies—are already partners in the UAE’s only existing LNG export facility on Das Island.

This new project aligns with Adnoc’s strategy to expand its footprint in the global LNG market, not only within the UAE but also through international ventures, including recent deals in the US and Mozambique.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Adnoc’s executive director for international growth, emphasized the company’s strategic focus areas, saying, “We’ve made it very clear that we’re interested in key sectors when it comes to low carbon solutions, renewables, natural gas, and chemicals.”

The investment in Ruwais underscores the continuing appeal of natural gas projects, even as global energy markets face increasing pressures to transition to greener alternatives.

With fuel prices remaining elevated, the appeal of new supply projects remains strong, providing a crucial boost to the global energy market.

The commitment of Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, and Mitsui to the Ruwais LNG project not only marks a significant milestone for Adnoc but also highlights the robust international interest in the UAE’s ambitious energy expansion plans.

As the world navigates the complexities of energy transition, these investments underscore the enduring role of natural gas as a vital component of the global energy mix.

Oando PLC has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd).

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) confirmed the completion of the deal on Wednesday.

NUPRC Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, made the announcement at the ongoing Oil and Gas Energy Week in Abuja, a significant event sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and other industry stakeholders.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Oando, a leading indigenous energy solutions provider, solidifying its position in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“This acquisition is a testament to Oando’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the upstream sector,” said Komolafe. “The divestment agreement with ENI, which includes the full acquisition of NAOC Ltd, has been successfully finalized, and we look forward to the signing ceremony in the coming days.”

The NAOC deal is part of a broader wave of acquisitions and divestments within Nigeria’s oil industry, reflecting a dynamic shift in the sector.

Alongside Oando’s acquisition, other major transactions include Equinor’s completed deal with Project Odinmin and the ongoing due diligence for Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s (SPDC) transaction with the Renaissance Consortium.

Seplat Energy Offshore Limited is also advancing its proposed takeover of ExxonMobil Nigeria’s offshore shallow water operations, pending ministerial consent.

Oando’s acquisition of NAOC significantly boosts its operational capacity, increasing its participating interests in key Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) from 20% to 40%.

This strategic move not only enhances Oando’s production capabilities but also positions the company to leverage new opportunities in Nigeria’s oil-rich regions.

The NUPRC has emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks to ensure smooth transitions and protect national interests.

Komolafe highlighted that while divestments are the right of investors, they must be conducted within the rule of law and best practices to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other countries.

“Countries like Brazil, Canada, and the UK have faced challenges with divestments that were not well-managed,” Komolafe noted. “We aim to avoid similar issues by ensuring that divestments in Nigeria are carried out with thorough due diligence, safeguarding financial capacity, technical capability, and environmental responsibilities.”

Oando’s acquisition aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy strategy, which includes diversifying its energy portfolio and attracting foreign investment.

The country is also focusing on becoming a hub for green hydrogen production, leveraging its abundant solar radiation to support Europe’s energy needs.

As Oando takes the helm of NAOC, the company is expected to drive initiatives that enhance oil production and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.