After a prolonged two-year wait, Exxon Mobil’s anticipated $1.28 billion asset sale to Seplat Energy is poised for approval by Nigeria’s oil regulator.

The deal, which has been in limbo since 2022, could finally see the light of day following recent communication from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Gbenga Komolafe, the chief of NUPRC, revealed to Reuters on Thursday that the regulatory body is on the verge of giving its consent to the transaction.

Komolafe disclosed that Exxon Mobil and Seplat Energy are scheduled to attend a pivotal meeting on Friday, during which they will discuss the final steps towards approval.

He expressed optimism, stating, “Subject to the outcome of the meeting, consent… could be given in less than two weeks from the date of the meeting.”

According to Komolafe, NUPRC will present the companies with two mutually exclusive options, the acceptance of which would pave the way for the deal’s approval.

While he didn’t delve into specifics, he emphasized that Nigerian law mandates provisions for decommissioning, host community development, and environmental remediation.

“We don’t want our nation to carry unwarranted financial burdens arising from the operations of the assets over time by the divesting entities,” Komolafe asserted, underscoring the importance of responsible asset management.

The $1.28 billion sale holds immense significance for Nigeria’s oil industry, which has faced challenges stemming from underinvestment and security concerns in recent years.

With oil majors like Shell and TotalEnergies divesting from onshore shallow water operations due to security issues, regulatory approval of the Exxon-Seplat deal could inject much-needed capital into the sector.

Analysts view the impending approval as a potential catalyst for improved oil output in Nigeria. Moreover, it could serve as a positive signal to investors, paving the way for similar deals in the future.

The regulatory clearance of Shell’s asset sale to Renaissance in January has further bolstered expectations regarding the viability of such transactions.

As Nigeria looks to revitalize its oil sector and attract investment, the imminent approval of Exxon Mobil’s asset sale to Seplat Energy marks a significant milestone, bringing an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty and setting the stage for renewed growth and stability in the country’s vital energy industry.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

This was announced in a State House Press Release by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on April 26, 2024.

According to the statement, ‘‘the President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds and of ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.’’

Jim Ovia, CFR, is the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest banks with over $21.4 billion in assets and shareholders’ funds of over US$2.4 billion as at December 2023.  Zenith Bank is a global brand listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

In addition to major operations in Nigeria and other West African countries, the Bank has sizeable operations in London and Dubai.

Jim Ovia is the Founder and Chancellor of James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos which was recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer postgraduate degrees in business courses.

James Hope University commenced activities in September 2023.

Through his philanthropy – the Jim Ovia Foundation – he has shown the importance he accords good education.  In support of the Nigerian youth, Jim Ovia Foundation offers scholarships to indigent students through the Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE) initiative.

Most of the beneficiaries of Jim Ovia Foundation scholarship are now accountants, business administrators, lawyers, engineers, doctors etc.

He is the author of “Africa Rise and Shine”, published by ForbesBooks. The book which encapsulates Zenith Bank’s meteoric rise, details the secrets of success in doing business in Africa. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (OPM), University of Louisiana (MBA), and Southern University, Louisiana, (B.Sc. Business Administration). Jim Ovia is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Community of Chairpersons, and a champion of the Forum’s EDISON Alliance.

In recognition of Jim Ovia’s contributions to the economic development of Nigeria, in 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured him with Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR. Also, in May 2022, Jim Ovia was conferred with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Earlier, he has been conferred with the national awards of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, and Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, in 2000 and 2011, respectively, as a testament to his visionary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector.

The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings PLC, has announced the appointment of Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu as its Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This decision comes in the wake of the resignation of Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, who has led the bank for the past nine years.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), reflecting the bank’s commitment to regulatory compliance and governance standards.

Mr. Alebiosu, a seasoned banking professional with over three decades of experience, is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of leading First Bank Nigeria during this transition period.

Having served as the Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, he played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of the institution over the past eight years.

His extensive experience spans various aspects of the banking and financial services industry, including credit risk management, financial planning, corporate and commercial banking, and project financing.

Before joining First Bank Nigeria in 2016, Mr. Alebiosu held key positions in renowned financial institutions such as Coronation Merchant Bank Limited and the African Development Bank Group.

Expressing gratitude for Dr. Adeduntan’s exemplary leadership, the Board of Directors acknowledged his significant contributions to the bank’s growth and success during his tenure.

Dr. Adeduntan’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by remarkable achievements and milestones for First Bank Nigeria.

As Acting CEO, Mr. Alebiosu is poised to build upon the bank’s legacy and steer it towards continued growth and profitability. With a strong focus on strategic objectives, he aims to uphold First Bank Nigeria’s reputation as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and beyond.

In his new role, Mr. Alebiosu will work closely with the Board of Directors and management team to ensure seamless operations and uphold the bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional services to its customers.

As the banking industry undergoes rapid transformation and evolving regulatory landscape, First Bank Nigeria remains committed to maintaining its position as a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses across the country.

With Mr. Alebiosu at the helm, the bank looks forward to a new chapter of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

The appointment of Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu underscores First Bank Nigeria’s commitment to continuity and stability amidst leadership changes, signaling confidence in his ability to lead the bank through its next phase of growth and development.