Category: Auto Guid

The Federal Government has pledged continued support for private-sector investments capable of driving industrialisation, expanding supply chains and creating sustainable employment across the country. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance yesterday, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the government was committed to working closely with local manufacturers whose investments are strengthening Nigeria’s productive base.

He gave the assurance during a meeting in Abuja with executives of Folay West African Limited, where the company presented its expansion plans aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and deepening the agricultural value chain. Folay Industries, a Nigerian-owned fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer operating from the Lekki Free Zone, has invested more than N11 billion in local production. According to the ministry, the company sources grains domestically and has continued to create employment opportunities through backward integration.

It is also one of several indigenous manufacturers replacing imports with competitive products made in Nigeria.

Mr. Edun, who welcomed the company’s progress, said, ‘Initiatives such as those undertaken by Folay Industries reflect the movement toward value-added production, which is vital for economic diversification and long-term growth.’ He added that the administration would continue to encourage private-sector initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity and contribute to national development.

The meeting, the ministry noted, demonstrated the government’s steady support for the manufacturing sector at a time when the country is navigating the demands of diversification. ‘Partnerships with the private sector will be central to driving growth, creating jobs and building a resilient economy capable of securing a brighter future for Nigeria,’ the statement added.

In a separate development, Mr. Edun on Tuesday chaired the 64th Regular Meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, where key leadership appointments and promotions were approved to enhance operational effectiveness and support the ongoing transformation of the Service.

The Board confirmed five Deputy Comptroller-Generals and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the Federal Character principle. It also approved Special Promotions for ten officers who were recognised for what the ministry described as ‘exceptional professionalism and significant contributions to national revenue and security.’

The ministry explained that the reforms form part of a continuing effort to modernise Customs operations, improve leadership succession and strengthen trade facilitation, transparency and border management.

As Nigeria expands non-oil revenue sources and promotes private-sector-driven growth, a more agile and technology-driven Customs Service is expected to play a critical role in reducing bottlenecks, improving clearance timelines and enhancing competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Gas supply received a boost in the country as the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) announced an additional 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), to the basket, thus further strengthening the nation’s energy security.

The feat, achieved after a rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17, is said to be a pioneering intervention of such regarded as the first of its kind in the country, doubled the JV’s gas output.

Prior to this development, the Well from which the new increase accrued, had previously been shut in due to excessive water production. Rather than drilling a new well or undertaking a conventional workover, Heirs Energies engineered a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. Completed safely, in record time, and at just 15 per cent of the cost of drilling a new Well, the operation sets a new standard for rigless solutions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

A statement signed by the Head Corporate Communications, Heirs Energies, Chidimma Ugbojiaku, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, explained that this significant production increase has transformed power generation across the eastern network.

For instance, it explained that Transcorp PLC – TransAfam Power, has quadrupled its output, rising from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, with peaks of 200 megawatts. It further disclosed that other power plants also supplied by the network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also recorded more stable operations and higher generation.

‘In total, the power plants now receiving gas from the Joint Venture have seen combined output surge from around 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts. This increased power generation provides enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses – reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals, and schools, and keeping factories, small enterprises, and critical infrastructure running,’ the statement read in part.

Commending the feat, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, hailed the feat. ‘I congratulate the entire Heirs Energies team on this remarkable achievement, which is a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation. Please be assured of my continued support as you expand your operation across the energy sector, unlocking additional oil and gas resources to power homes, industries and commercial activities nationwide,’ Mrs. Verheijen, remarked in a message to Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon,

According to Igiehon, ‘the milestone is another testament to Heirs Energies’ leading capabilities in managing brownfields. The ingenuity, thoroughness, and resilience of our 100 per cent Nigerian workforce made this possible. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations.’

Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, said: ‘This innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development. The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving substantial value for Nigeria.’

In similar vein, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Seyi Omotowa, an engineer, added: ‘This project reflects NUIMS’ strategic focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations. It is a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets.’

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture continues to advance gas-focused, innovation-driven developments, aiming to expand domestic gas supply, strengthen electricity generation, build local capacity, and support broader economic and industrial growth. This latest success reinforces the JV’s commitment to delivering energy that powers homes, industries, and national prosperity

Heirs Energies Limited is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

Zamfara Ministry of Works and Infrastructure says its one-day stakeholders’ engagement will improve energy access and strengthen the power sector in the state.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Zamfara State Electrification Agency (ZEA) and S2R Consulting.

It brought together key players in the electricity sector such as government officials, individuals, community leaders, legal experts, and technical specialists.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Lawal Barau, in his address at the event in Gusau on Tuesday, said that the engagement would help review and validate the state electricity policy and bill.

He said it was also to appreciate stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the electricity sector in Zamfara.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Mechanical in the ministry, Mr Sanusi Mande, said the engagement marked a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to develop a unified and progressive electricity framework.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing gaps within the power value chain.

Barau reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with all relevant actors toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Electrification Agency, Mr Muzammil Muhammad, noted the importance of developing a strong and forward-looking policy framework that would guide the state toward a sustainable and reliable electricity system.

He said the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that would attract investment and promote efficient electricity generation, distribution, and management.

He highlighted the new opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, the expanded regulatory powers granted to states, and the strategic pathways Zamfara could adopt to strengthen electricity governance, improve market efficiency, and accelerate access to power across communities.

Muhammad said that the new electricity policy and bill were designed to align Zamfara with ongoing national power sector reforms.