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NAOC acquisition has been a key highlight for the company in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The 2024 financial results for Oando Plc has primarily been driven by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company acquisition, recording a 45% revenue growth at N4.1 trillion from N2.9 trillion in 2023

Eni sold its Nigerian onshore wing NAOC ltd in July last year, in line with its 2023-2026 plan with a focus on upstream. 

“2024 was a year of transformation for Oando, the key highlight being our successful acquisition and subsequent integration of NAOC Ltd, which significantly enhanced our production capacity, attaining peak operated production of 103,206boepd and net entitlements of 45,000 boepd.

Despite a challenging operating environment, we achieved a 45% increase in revenue to ₦4.1 trillion, reflecting the strength of our business model, and a 9% rise in profit after tax to ₦65.5 billion, notwithstanding the costs associated with the onboarding of NAOC,” said Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu.

Production in 2024 saw an increase to approximately 23,911 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) from the 23,258 boepd achieved in 2023. 

There was a stark change in capital expenditures from US$52.3mn to US$18.1mn that included the development of oil and gas assets and exploration and evaluation activities.

Boosting production

Looking ahead to 2025, Tinubu said, “In 2025, our priority shall be to drive cost optimisation, operational efficiency, streamline processes, enhance procurement, and leverage technology to improve productivity across our operations. In parallel, we will intensify efforts to boost production through the dual approach of rig-less and workover initiatives while executing an aggressive drilling program across three rig lines.

Simultaneously, in collaboration with other stakeholders, we are proactively tackling above-ground security challenges by implementing a revamped security framework that integrates advanced surveillance technology and intelligence-driven initiatives to curb the perennial, unnecessary, and unjustifiable theft of oil to ensure the long-term integrity of our vast network.

As we look ahead to an exciting and successful 2025, we recognize that achieving our goals requires the unwavering support of our host communities and partners. Through extensive engagement, we will foster a collaborative ecosystem that not only secures our operations but also drives shared prosperity and sustainable development for all.”

Congo's Hydrocarbons Code which puts Congolese nationalists first. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With an aim to enhance transparency and local integration, the Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua recently launched a registration campaign for subcontracting and service companies in the oil and gas industry

This comes as part of Congo's Hydrocarbons Code which puts Congolese nationalists first. It advances a comprehensive law on local content, with internationl partnerships forged on the basis of knowledge sharing and capacity building. This will allow the region to benefit from its rich natural resources through job ccreation, technology transfer and building local expertise.

In line with its economic goals, the government has established policies to ensure that Congo’s energy sector benefits local businesses and workers.

While the government sets the framework, private sector companies are taking proactive steps to promote local content. Energy supermajor TotalEnergies employs around 600 local staff in Congo compared to just 40 expatriates, showcasing it commitment to workplace integration. The company also invests in training and development programs to equip Congolese employees with the skills needed for higher-level roles. In June 2024, TotalEnergies committed $600 million to expand production at the Moho Nord offshore field, with a focus on involving local subcontractors and training programs.

Similarly, Italian multinational energy company Eni is investing in local workforce development. As part of its efforts to prepare for the launch of LNG production last year, the company trained 40 Congolese employees in liquefaction technologies. This initiative helped to ensure that Congo has the skilled workforce its needs to manage LNG facilities and reduce reliance on foreign specialists.

 

The new Trump regime might see increased US reach in Africa's oil and gas scene. (Image source: Energy Capital & Power)

As Donald Trump assumes US presidency, it is significant to evaluate how the development is going to impact US-Africa energy relations 

While Trump has mostly harped on advancing domestic energy production, his unabashed support for fossil fuels might influence Africa's oil and gas industry as US investors in the region benefit from his policies. 

Trump's previous administration saw several developments for Africa's oil and gas industry, including ExxonMobil's US$30bn Rovuma LNG development in Mozambique, Chevron's expansion in Angola’s deepwater Block 0, Kosmos Energy's discoveries offshore Senegal and Mauritania, resulting into the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, and Marathon Oil's continued expansion in Equatorial Guinea through the multi-phase Gas Mega Hub. A significant part of these were made possible by initiatives such as Prosper Africa, which facilitated improved trade relations between the two nations. 

The new Trump regime might see increased US reach in Africa's oil and gas scene through financing mechanisms like EXIM Bank. The rising global pressure on Africa to embrace energy transition might ease as well under Trump's new energy policies. 

 

The course will delve into eight key topics. (Image source: Steinmuller Africa)

Steinmuller Africa has introduced a five-day online training course for industrial welders and engineers 

Starting from 10-14 March, the course will delve into eight key topics on the construction and maintenance of boilers. With an introduction to boilers, the course will touch upon process design, mechanical design, piping design, boiler construction, boiler operation and plant availability, boiler maintenance and metallurgy.

Driving innovation

"This annual training course has been created to not only nurture emerging talent but also to elevate the expertise of welders across the industry. By utilising Steinmuller Africa’s proficiency in critical areas, the course pushes boundaries, ensuring welders stay ahead of the curve and remain fully compliant. By sharing our deep knowledge and hands-on experience, we aim to drive innovation and foster growth within the field, strengthening the industry as a whole,” said Moso Bolofo, director, Steinmuller Africa.

A Continuous Professional Development-accredited course that offers upto five CPD points, interested candidates can register by 31 January. 

The SG 4571 Licence contains the Cabora Bassa Basin. (Image source: Invictus Energy)

The Mukuyu Discovery onshore Zimbabwe will see further action as Invictus Energy Limited's 80%-owned subsidiary, Geo Associates, has received a license extension for an additional three years 

The SG 4571 Licence that contains the Cabora Bassa Basin was approved by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development for extension till 19 December 2027. During the third year of this period, the company has plans to undertake a comprehensive work programme that includes 3D seismic acquisition and additional exploration/appraisal drilling and testing. This follows the last extension period granted till June 2027

The company can apply for a production special grant licence at any stage. 

Mukuyu has revealed high quality natural gas presence folowing compositional analysis of downhole fluid. 

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