Uche Cecil Izuora
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy, Engr. Effiong Okon has said that independent energy producers can grow output, optimize the value of their assets, boost returns on investments and ensure resilient systems if they get asset integrity right, fix obsolescence in their operations and consciously work on life extension of their assets.
Engr. Okon said this during the Panel Session Two (2) of the 49th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos themed “Building Resilient Energy Systems in a Rapidly Evolving Energy Landscape”.
According to him, critical equipment must be maintained at top quartile performance of 95 per cent, meaning that 95 per cent of the time, equipment should be running. “When you do all that, you drive down unscheduled deferment. In fact, you must follow your oil and gas molecules from reservoir to export. The approach is all encompassing – you must understand your reservoir capacity, well capacity, your flow line and surface facilities. These mean a total understanding of the asset,” he emphasized.
On ways of further reducing cost in operations, he said effective water treatment, ending routine flares and monetizing every gas molecule as against paying penalties on flares, cutting a few redundancies for evacuation routes, and building capacity around logistics and outsourcing would significantly impact operations.
The Seplat CEO equally called for deliberate investment in human capital to really understand the sub-surface, wells and facilities. According to him, the right knowledge could then be driven by requisite capital raising, which ultimately drive value optimization. He, therefore, called on SPE to raise more engineers to cover the skills gap and drive efficiencies in the Nigerian oil and gas space.
Speaking on Seplat Energy’s commitment to advancing shareholders’ value, Engr. Okon said the company had returned massive value to shareholders in form of share appreciation and dividend payouts over the year whilst also balancing that with capital allocation targeted at further building the company for the future.
He said the company had distinguished itself in the area of gas development and performance domestically, saying that the shallow water business has got about 12TCF of gas, which will be unlocked, accelerated and monetized more than the company had ever done.
“We are indeed trailblazers when it comes to domestic gas development. We are also doing a lot of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the domestic market t
Nestlé Nigeria Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Community Scholarship Programme
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Community Scholarship Programme, continuing its commitment to supporting young people in its host communities and helping students achieve their academic goals. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported more than 250 students, helping to reduce the financial challenges associated with education and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to succeed.
The scholarship programme is designed specifically for Science and Technology students and provides financial support for tuition, books, and other school-related costs. Through this initiative, Nestlé aims to support young people in developing the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to Nigeria’s future growth while creating greater opportunities for students within its host communities.
Over the years, the impact of the programme has been reflected in the strong academic performance of its beneficiaries, with more than 70% of tracked students currently maintaining or graduating with First Class honours. Beyond financial support, the programme gives students the opportunity to focus on their education and pursue their goals with greater confidence.
Applications are open to eligible students from Agbara, Sagamu, and Abaji.
For the Tertiary Education category, applicants must be current 100-level students studying Science or technical courses and must have scored 200 or above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
For the Secondary Education category, applicants must be SS1 Science students who obtained a minimum of five credit passes in their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Eligible candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply through 2026/2027 Nestlé Nigeria Community Scholarship link.
Applicants are advised to complete the application form carefully and provide all required information. Submitted applications will undergo verification by relevant educational institutions, community unions, and community leaders to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. Applications close on 28th of August 2026.
One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Kazeem Fatai, a recent graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who earned a First Class Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, credits the continued support he received throughout his academic journey as a major motivation that helped him remain focused on achieving his goal. “Receiving the Nestlé Community Scholarship was more than financial support; it was a vote of confidence in my future. Knowing that Nestlé continued to invest in my education year after year motivated me to stay committed to my goal of graduating with a First Class. Today, I am proud to have achieved that dream, and I hope my story inspires other young people to remain focused, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity they receive.”
Speaking on the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, said the scholarship reflects Nestlé’s belief that business growth and community progress must go hand in hand.
“At Nestlé, we believe that stronger communities are built by creating opportunities for people to thrive. Through the Community Scholarship Programme, we are supporting young people with access to education while investing in the future potential of our host communities. By empowering students today, we are helping to develop the knowledge and skills that will contribute to Nigeria’s growth tomorrow.”
She added that the scholarship programme forms part of Nestlé for Good, the company’s broader commitment to creating shared value by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future through education, skills development, nutrition education, and youth empowerment initiatives.