The Differences Between a Project Management Certification and a Training Certificate

It has come to my notice that most persons who are interested or are practising in the field of project management (PM) tend to confuse or interchange a PM training certificate with PM certification. They are not the same thing and all present and future project management practitioners should understand the difference. Also, most PM trainers, tutors and coach have been at fault at these as they have often failed to inform their trainees or students that what they would receive at the end of their training is a PM training certificate and NOT a PM certification.

Innovative Use of #SocialMedia for Social Good in Nigeria

Social media is playing a critical role in terms of communication, collaboration and flow of information around the world. A lot of organizations, including those in Nigeria, are leveraging social media to connect with youths, entrepreneurs, project managers, business leaders, mentors, and various group of people for a common purpose. They are using social media for social good.

Social media was also greatly used in sensitizing Nigerians about the recent ebola virus outbreak which in turn helped in curbing and/or controlling the spread of the virus. And we encourage more persons and organizations to think of innovative ways of leveraging social media for social good in Nigeria and across the globe.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Project Management Training in Nigeria

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Getting a quality project management training in Nigeria can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of naira, depending on the training course you are applying for and the academy or training center offering it.

There are several project management certifications and most require you to write and pass its own professional examination before awarding a professional certification. Also, to stand a good chance of passing any of the professional examination, you need to do a proper self-study or seek for quality training on that particular certification. And most training comes at a price!

The cost of some project management certification trainings are as low as N30,000 while some are as high as N600,000, but you should note that the price of any certification training varies from one academy to the other, and also that the price does not always determine the quality of the training you would receive. This is one of the reasons why you need to research on some project management academies before committing your hard-earned money.

Furthermore, before committing your money, try and find out what the fee you’re been charged for covers. Some training fee covers all the materials or resources you would need during the duration of your training, while some don’t. Also try and find out the course contents and quality of the trainers in the academy.

However, if you seek any project management certification training and you are not sure of where to get quality training in Nigeria, you can get in touch with me as I help clients, both private and corporate, source for the best project management academy within their location. Call (+234) 07030972415, 07057681036, or send an email to info @ jerryihejirika.com.

How the Educational Sector Can Develop the Practice of Project Management in Africa

If education is truly the key to any nation’s development, then education should be the key to the development of project management in Africa.

Higher or tertiary institutions offering various degree courses in project management in Africa have crucial roles to play in the development and advancement of the profession within the continent.

In case you don’t know, I’m a Bachelor’s degree holder in Project Management Technology (PMT) of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria, and I will be sharing with you my knowledge and opinion on how the educational sector can help develop and advance the practice of project management, as part of my “Project Management for Africa” Initiative is working with institutions offering degree courses in project management in Africa.

Number of Institutions in Nigeria

FUTO was the first tertiary institution in Nigeria to offer a degree course in project management. They started offering a bachelor’s degree course in the year 1982, and now offer post-graduate degree courses in project management. You can click here to view the list of other institutions offering degree courses in project management in Nigeria.

However, the number of institutions offering the course in Nigeria is still quite low when compared to the number of higher institutions established within the country. And one of the reasons is due to the level of awareness of the profession within the country. With the initiative, we’re looking forward to working with and encouraging some institutions in setting up a project management department.

Level of Awareness

Did you know that at least…

• 40 per cent of project management graduates (bachelor’s degree holders) in Nigeria have never heard about the profession prior to gaining admission? (How they ended up in the department is beyond the scope of this article)


• 30 per cent of project management graduates in Nigeria do not know where or how to pursue their project management career?


• 70 per cent of project management graduates in Nigeria end up in other fields, positions and roles not relating to project management?

The point I’m trying to let you know is that the level of awareness of the profession in each country will always have a direct impact on the number of persons who are highly interested in studying the course within that country. And the more interested persons we have who knew about the course prior to gaining admission, the less they would want divert away from the profession upon graduating. Let me ask you, “What is the possibility or probability of persons who never applied to study medicine, pharmacy, architect, law, or any other professional course with high-level of awareness and practice gaining admission into any of those departments?” The department of project management in various institutions in Africa who are interested in supporting or sponsoring our initiative in terms of creating more awareness about the profession, are free to contact us.

Quality of Graduates

Our initiative does not focus only on creating awareness campaigns, but also in supporting institutions to produce quality graduates for the project management industry. One of the very few negative experiences I had while pursuing my degree in FUTO was the act of awarding a particular course to a lecturer who knows next-to-nothing about the course. On what capacity, on what knowledge and on what criteria would a lecturer grade or asses a student when the lecturer has openly admitted that he/she knows next-to-nothing about that particular course? The department should be blamed for offering the lecture the power to handle such a course and the lecturer should be blamed also for accepting it. This is one of the negative issues that should be checked and corrected by not just FUTO, but every other institution that’s offering a project management degree course in Africa, because the quality of graduates being produced will have a direct impact on the growth and development of the project management industry of each country.

Courses Review

The department of project management across various institutions in Africa need to review the courses being offered to its students, at least every 4 to 5 years. I would suggest the Nigeria Association of Project Management Professionals (NAPMP), Project Management South Africa (PMSA), and other national bodies representing project management in various African countries to organize a get-together with heads of departments, professors and consultants in project management within their country to create a standard course format that would strictly be adhered to by any higher institution offering a degree course in project management within that country. This will go a long way in developing the practice of project management in Africa. Another point of notice, if any new course is added, such course should be handled by a lecturer who is very knowledgeable about the course, and that’s why continuous learning and research are not only for the students, but for the lecturers as well.

Career Counseling

This is one thing that’s missing in most institutions in Nigeria. Most persons in Nigeria are confused about what course to study. Some who have already gained admission are even more confused about what roles their profession plays in the society, and project management students are not left out. Recently, I received series of email from a project management student. For personal reasons, I won’t mention the name of the person but I will quote the email for you to read: “Hi Project Manager, how is a project management graduate holder considered in the labour market? I am also studying PMT 400-Level in FUTMinna.” “Hi Project Manager, what would a project management graduate do in a construction company on site that’s different from a civil engineer, because it’s like only engineers are recognized on site? Please give me proper definition of the responsibility of a project management graduate without engineering degree on site.” “Hi brother, it has been somehow intimidating here, I think we have to define our roles and let the general public (other professionals) know. Am presently undergoing my Industrial training (IT) and I really need where project management is being practiced so that I can know what to build upon, which is very scarce.” My initiative is looking forward to working with project management departments in Africa, at offering counseling and career advice to their project management students. But for now, if you’re a PMT student or new graduate who’s still confused about where or how to pursue your project management career, I would suggest you read these two of my articles:

• Who is a Project Management Technologist?


• I Am Now a Project Management Graduate, What Next?

It would offer you some great tips.

Professional Certification

Won’t it be great if some project management students in Africa would graduate with not only a bachelor’s degree but also with a professional certification in project management? This will help in not only boosting their knowledge, as they would have to study more to sit for any of such professional examination, but it would also boost their Curriculum Vitae and their chances of getting a job in the industry. There are organizations and institutes around the world who offer some globally-accepted professional certifications in project management that do not require working experience before applying and sitting for the examination The departments of each institution should find a way in liaising with such organizations so as to offer interested students the opportunity of being certified in some professional certifications while graduating.

I have a firm believe that the educational sector have crucial roles to play in advancing the practice of project management in Africa. Non-African countries are also free to adopt some of the ideas and tips shared above if they see fit.

If you’re interested in supporting my “Project Management for Africa” Initiative or sponsoring any of our plans/events, send an email to info @ jerryihejirika.com or call (+234) 07030972415, 07057681036.

Together, we will transform Africa through project management.

project management, Project Management Africa, Project Management Education, project management nigeria

Taking Project Management to the Grassroots in Africa

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Taking project management to the grassroots in Africa is one of the major plans in my “Project Management for Africa” Initiative, and some persons have been asking me how I plan to accomplish this or what line of action would be taken.

This grassroots plan focuses more on the educational sectors in Africa. Before one becomes a project management graduate in Africa, there are 3 levels of education that one needs to pass through:

1st: The primary education (elementary schools)
2nd: The secondary education (high schools)
3rd: The higher education (polytechnics, colleges, or universities)

We’re looking forward to creating awareness campaigns that would match each level of education. Our aim is to have or create more “passionate” and professional project managers and less “accidental” project managers’ in the future in Africa.

The Primary Education: We are looking forward to designing children-like flyers or pamphlets, not to ‘directly’ promote project management, but to create a list of some popular professions, of which project management will be included. Each profession that’s listed will explain the roles they play in the society in written and pictorial format. For example, “I want to be a Doctor because Doctors cure the sick,” “I want to a Lawyer because Lawyers…..,” “I want to be a Project Manager because Project Managers….” By the time these children get to the secondary school level, some would be aware that there are professionals called Project Managers who pursue their career in the field of project management. Title to be used: “Children, What Would You Like To Be When You Grow Up?”

The Secondary Education: If you pursued and accomplished your project management professional status in Africa, let me ask you: “Were you aware of the project management profession during your secondary school days?” I never heard about the profession during my secondary school days! We are looking forward to designing informational papers that would target students at the secondary levels. Topic: “Who are Project Managers and What Roles Do They Play in the Society?” or any suitable title.

The Higher Education: If you’re a project management practitioner in Africa, tell me: “At what stage of your life did you became aware of the project management profession?” I first got to hear about the project management profession when I accidentally came in contact with a student who was pursuing a degree program in project management technology at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria. Then, I was planning on gaining admission into the institution. From then on, I picked interest in the profession, gained admission to study the course and now pursuing a career in the field of project management. I’d a lot of research on project management, met project management practitioners in Nigeria and networked with project managers around the world via social media, and it helped developed my passion for the profession. But, I must also tell you that during my 5 years of pursuing my degree program in FUTO, I met and discussed with a lot of project management students. Some “accidentally” got admission into the department and right till the last moment, were never interested in pursuing a career in the field of project management. Some who were very much interested in pursuing a career in project management were kind of confused about where or how to get started when they graduate. Some, who were also interested, have done their research, knew a lot about the profession and have mapped out a career path in the profession. I noticed that there was a low-level of awareness and lack of flow of information as regarding projects and project management in Nigeria, so I started this blog during my final year in school with the aim of helping to create more awareness and promote the profession in Nigeria. My aim now is to take it beyond Nigeria and focus on Africa at large. Not an easy task but also not an impossible task! So, through my initiative, I’m looking forward to working with project management departments in various higher institutions across Africa. The initiative will not be offering training, but career and counseling advice to project management students in Africa. The initiative also aims to distribute informational materials which will contain featured articles, career advice, stories, interviews, news, research, events and book review on project management. This informational materials will be distributed at a token price to the students. We want our project management students in Africa to be proud and have passion for the profession and also have a clear view of how they can pursue or advance their career in the profession upon graduating.

So these are our grassroots plans for the initiative and we need your support and/or sponsorship to make it a success. Each sponsor will have the privilege of placing an advert on any of our informational materials. We are also looking forward to creating a website for our “Project Management for Africa” Initiative.

Please note that some of our plans would only be made known to our supporters and sponsors via email until the main website is launched. So if you’re interested in supporting or sponsoring any of our plans, please fill in the form below:

[contact-form-7 id="2400" title="PM for Africa"]

Together, we will transform Africa through project management.

Are You Searching For A Project Management Blogger?

There has been a tremendous growth in the number of active project management blogs within the past five years. Some of these blogs cover almost every facets, methodologies, principles and practices of project management.

These growth will continue on an upward trend as a lot of project management professionals (PMPs) and offices (PMOs) are now realizing the numerous promotional benefits about on blogging and social media.

However, some PMPs and PMOs do not have any idea of how to set up, use or manage a project management blog, some do not have the time to put their ideas, knowledge, experiences and opinions into writing so as to share on their blog. Do not worry as we have a solution for you.

If you need a professional project management blogger to help you

• Set up your own project management blog


• Manage yours and/or your PMO’s blog(s)


• Put your project management ideas, knowledge or experiences into professional writing and share on your blog

Then feel free to contact me.

Here are some of the reasons why you should hire me as your project management blogger:

1. Project Management Knowledge: I have a BTech in Project Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, so I understand most project management terminologies. I also understand the impact of cost, time and quality on any given project.

2. Excellent Writing Skills: I have written lots of original and high-quality articles on project management. You can browse through my blog for samples. My articles are also featured on some project management journals.

3. Knowledge About Blogging and Blog Management: I have been blogging since 2008, most especially using the WordPress and Blogger platforms, so I am well-experienced and versatile in the art of blogging and blog management. I am also a passionate blogger.

4. Have Passion for Project Management: I am passionate about promoting project management globally by leveraging social media. I have also set up project management groups on various social media networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn where I share and discuss the latest happening in the world of project management.

5. Creative Thinker: I am very good at thinking, analyzing and creating new project ideas and topics that will help build a profitable project management blog for you or your organization.

6. Hardworking and Dedicated: I am a very hard-working and committed person. I do my jobs diligently, professionally, and can also work in a team.

Connect with me and let’s build yours or your company’s project management blog. I can work either full-time (if not committed already), part-time, contract basis or on a pay-per-blogging basis.

PMP Blogger, PRINCE2 Blogger, Project Management Blogger, Social Project Manager

Bresson AS Nigeria Breaks Ground On 90MW Power Plant

Bresson AS Nigeria Limited, a privately owned Nigerian company and one of the pioneer licensed independent power producers (IPPs) in the country, has broken ground for its first power plant situated in Magboro, Ogun State.

The power plant will generate 90 megawatts (MW) to boost power generation and supply in Nigeria, and the company hopes to bring the plant configured on 2GE LM 6000 to commissioning in 2015. The plant is designed for supply of power to the national grid while an additional 20MW project, a joint project between Bresson and Aggreko is designed to serve the immediate neighbourhood of Magboro as an embedded generation option.

The company said it had secured financing as well as gas supply for the 90MW plant. When the project is completed it would be linked to the national grid.

Gbenga Olawepo, chairman, Bresson AS Nigeria, at the ground-breaking at the weekend, said: “Ten years ago, we conceived this project, and we have spent $10 million in those years without return. Within the next 12 months, the president will come to commission at least one unit of the plant. The community is already benefiting in terms of jobs and will benefit more. We already have a lot of customers who want to take 2MW to 3MW. There is a strong commitment by the Federal Government to the power sector.”

Also speaking at the event, Chinedu Nebo, minister of power, who lauded the efforts by the company, said the 90MW project WAs very important. “It is very important to realise that power generation, transmission and distribution are the fulcrum of national development. Qualitative power supply is very cardinal to the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is a contract we have with Nigerians and we are ready to enforce it. This power plant will change this area. Once it is completed, the community will improve. There will be more jobs and industrial growth. Power supply drives industrial growth,” he said.

Stressing the need for access to electricity in the country, Ibikunle Amosu, governor of Ogun State, who was represented by Taiwo Fagbemi, his special adviser on energy, said it was only a long-distance runner that can embark on investment on energy infrastructure.

Bresson AS is principally engaged in the business of acquiring, developing, owning, and operating independent power generating facilities. The company, founded April 2005, recently concluded plans with emergency power conglomerate Aggreko to bolster Nigeria electricity market with 250MW of electricity within the next nine months.

[BusinessDay]

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Bresson AS Nigeria, energy project, Magboro Power Plant, power project

Germany Promises Technical Support For Nigeria’s Power Sector

The Federal Republic of Germany has expressed readiness to transfer technical know-how to key players in the Nigerian power sector as part of measures to solve the country’s energy crisis.

The Head of Energy and Environment Desk, Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, Mrs. Barbel Freyer, said her government was interested in partnering Nigeria on the various alternative sources of power generation.

Freyer spoke in Lagos on Wednesday during a seminar on embedded power generation with leading energy industry players in Nigeria.

According to her, the German government was ready to share its success stories on research, development and feasibility aspects of solar, biogas and wind solutions to ending epileptic power supply.

She said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a big step in privatising the power sector which we think is a very good step. But there are still some issues.

“On the know-how level, we can bring German businesses and Nigerian power investors together to work on the technical aspects. We have a lot of know-how to transfer and we are hoping to find Nigerian business partners in order to take up the various challenges.”

The German Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. Michael Derus, said there was a need for the Federal Government to take advantage of new technologies in order to ensure a regular supply of electricity that would enable local businesses to thrive.

He particularly advised Nigeria to take advantage of solar energy as a means of power generation, especially when the general climatic condition in the country favours it.

He stated that the embedded power generation model, which enables private producers to generate electricity from small plants and sell directly to the Discos for onward supply to consumers, had been quite effective in Germany.

Derus said, “What we are going to do is to present the solutions as it works in Germany and of course, it would be necessary to have meaningful adaptations to suit the local needs.

“If you look at the general climatic condition here in Nigeria closely, you would see that solar and wind energy power solutions would even be more favourable than in Germany.

“I think you should really take advantage of new technology with embedded solutions and solve some of the power problems you experience in order to bring about the development of the country.

“Embedded solutions have contributed to a very high and reliable energy security in Germany, which the country here, for various and well known reasons, is far away from. Although, it might not be the only solution, it could be a solution that could contribute in the long run to providing better energy supply.”

[PUNCH]

Subscribe to our blog and get all the latest news from 100s of local, national and international sources as concerning projects and project management in Nigeria. Our blog is your one-stop shop for all projects news in Nigeria and also project management, blogging, content writing and social media ideas. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Germany, Nigeria, power sector

Bresson AS Nigeria Breaks Ground On 90MW Power Plant

Bresson AS Nigeria Limited, a privately owned Nigerian company and one of the pioneer licensed independent power producers (IPPs) in the country, has broken ground for its first power plant situated in Magboro, Ogun State.

The power plant will generate 90 megawatts (MW) to boost power generation and supply in Nigeria, and the company hopes to bring the plant configured on 2GE LM 6000 to commissioning in 2015. The plant is designed for supply of power to the national grid while an additional 20MW project, a joint project between Bresson and Aggreko is designed to serve the immediate neighbourhood of Magboro as an embedded generation option.

The company said it had secured financing as well as gas supply for the 90MW plant. When the project is completed it would be linked to the national grid.

power project

FEC Okays N1.3bn Consultancy Contracts For Railway Development

THE Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved contracts for feasibility studies on the development of standard gauge railway lines in six corridors across the country, worth N1.3 billion.

The approval followed a memorandum presented to it for deliberation by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa, Umar, who was joined by the Minister of Information and his Trade and Investment counterpart, Mr Labaran Maku and Dr Olusegun Aganga, said the six lots, totalling 4,430 kilometres, were in addition to seven approved by the council last year.

The six corridors included the Kano-Dayi-Katsina-Jibiya rail line; Ilela-Sokoto-Jega-Yauti-Makera rail line; Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Ibiono-Itu(spur line to Uyo)-Odupkani-Calabar rail line.

Others are Kano-Nguru-Gashua-Damaturu/Gamborun-Ngala rail line; Calabar-Ikom-Obudu-Ogoja-Katsina Ala-Wukari-Jalingo-Yola-Maiduguri and Port Harcourt-Aba-Umuahia-Enugu-Makurdi-Lafia-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri rail line.

Umar explained that the contracts were part of the 25 years strategic vision of the Federal Government for the rail sector in the country.

According to him, the scope of work would include detailed studies, detailed surveys and designs, identification of potential train stations and the Environmental Impact Assessment, among others.

The minister revealed that similar contracts awarded last year had been completed with the report already evaluated, adding that they would soon be advertised for further development.

On his part, Aganga disclosed that he formally reported to the FEC that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) had recognised the development efforts of Nigeria and Ethiopia by undertaking to set up offices in the two countries.

According to him, UNIDO decided to site the offices in the two countries, because it adjudged them to have showed the strongest and highest potential for industrial development in Africa.

He said the gesture was an indication that UNIDO identified with the transformation efforts in Nigeria and endorsed the country’s industrial revolution plan.

Aganga assured that the presence of the UNIDO office in the country would enhance foreign investments flow to Nigeria and fast-track industrial development.

Noting that UNIDO had only eight of such offices in the world, Aganga said “what this means to us is that the world is acknowledging the efforts of this administration in transforming the economy.”

[Nigerian Tribune]

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Metroline Projects, Railway Projects, UNIDO

Benefits of Attending Project Management Conferences

Do project management seminars, conferences and workshops provide real learning value for practitioners in the industry? New ideas, knowledge and methodologies are being discovered and generated on a regular basis in the world of project management, and there’s no better way of surviving in that industry than to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.

Attending project management conferences is one of the sure ways of staying abreast of the latest developments in the industry.

Though most conferences are free to attend, some professional conferences, such as the national Project Management Conference (ProMaCon) that’s being organized annually in Nigeria, attract participant fees. Some of these fees worth less when compared to the huge benefits you would derive from attending the conference.

The following are some of the reasons project management conferences are invaluable to you as a project manager.

1. New Ideas Are Introduced At Conferences

One of the reasons why project management practitioners attend conferences is to learn new ideas, research or methodologies discovered in the world of project management. These pieces of ideas may not always be groundbreaking or revolutionary, but they are new. When you attend a conference with this mindset, you will be enriched with more efficient and effective ways of managing projects that you would share with your peers.

Example: The first project management conference I attended was organized by Kari Ola of the British School of Project Management UK (BSPM-UK) at Victoria Island, Lagos. (Kari is late now. May her soul rest in peace)

2. Learn From Project Management Experts

Most conferences consist of panel speakers who are experts or have gained much knowledge in the field of project management. They share their real-world experiences and provide useful advice, tips and best practice techniques that will show you how to achieve outstanding business results. Attending conferences will help you tap into their knowledge base.

Example: My blog content titled “Project Management is Key to Natural Wealth” was an idea I learnt from Prof. Andrew Leicester of the Global Project Professional Society when I attended one of his conferences. I also learnt some valuable information that has benefited my career as a Project Management Blogger. I am grateful to all the speakers for all the tips!

3. Attending Conferences Will Help Deepen your knowledge Base

Are you thinking of gaining knowledge in various aspects of project management? Project management is vast and deepening your knowledge in various areas, such as risk management, strategic management, information technology, systems development, materials management, etc, and understanding different methodologies will help boost your career.

4. Earn Conference Certification

Some professional project management conferences offer certification for participants, and some companies request such certification during the course of your career. This certificate act as evidence that you have attended a project management conference and are willing to boost your knowledge.

5. Good Networking Opportunities

Conferences offer you the opportunity to make valuable connections with the organizers, attendees, speakers, and sponsors of the event. Most classes allow you to interact with new people. It’s also a good way to get out of your office or cubicle every now and then and see what the rest of the world is up to, and talk to your peers in the industry. The relationships you build with your connections can help you throughout the rest of your career in project. Take advantage of these opportunities and be proactive. Make sure to pack your business cards so you can exchange contact information with your new connections!

6. You Can Earn Valuable PDUs, CPDs or CDUs

Project management is a continuous learning field, and some project management organizations that offer professional certifications request their holders to show dedication to their profession by earning PDUs (Professional Development Units), CPDs (Continuing Professional Developments) or CDUs (Continuing Development Units). You can earn one PDU, CPD or CDU for each hour of attending some professional project management conferences.

7. Get Answers To Specific Questions

Most conferences are interactive and delegates or attendees are encouraged to ask questions with the speakers providing the answers.

8. Follow Up

Conferences offer you the platform to (physically) meet with some of the project managers whom you have established a connection or relationship with on social media.

9. Learn New Culture

Have you ever attended a project management conference that was organized in another city, state or country? Attending conferences other locations offers you the opportunity to become familiar with the city and/or culture where the conference is held.

What other benefits have you gained in attending project management conferences?

project management conference, Project Management Event, Project Management Seminar

Lagos Working On 205 Roads

Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Friday said that the state government was executing no fewer than 205 road projects in different parts of the state.

Fashola said this in Ikeja at a programme to commemorate the 2,600 days of his administration.

The governor said that the road projects cut across all the 20 local government areas and the 37 local council development areas of the state.

He said that the projects were part of his administration’s efforts to promote development.

The governor said that the roads included: Langbasa and Unity roads in Ajah, Ibeshe Road in Ikorodu, Ikotun-Ijegun Bridge, Ayobo-Ipaja Road in Alimosho, and Ago-Palace Way in Okota.

Fashola said that he was aware of several other roads requiring intervention in different communities.

The governor said that it would be impossible for the government to work on all roads at the same time.

He gave the assurance that the government would touch all roads in due course.

Fashola said that the government had always given a priority attention to roads with large traffic and those with more socio-economic impact on the lives of residents.

The governor said that no road was for the exclusive use of residents in a particular area.

“The impression of some people that until their street is done, government is not working, is not the right impression.

“This is because the assets that we build are collective assets. They do not belong to certain streets and certain residents.

“If you look at the roads across the state, they don’t belong to only the people who live in that community.

“The roads facilitate transportation to their homes, to their businesses and to their schools.

“Residents from other areas cannot be stopped from using such roads; so, our roads are our collective assets,“ he said.

On the Ago Palace Way, Fashola said that litigation over right of way was responsible for the delayed delivery of the project.

He apologised to commuters for inconveniences experienced on the road, and gave the assurance that the project would be completed soon.

The governor also said that work was at an advanced stage on the Ikotun-Ijegun Link Bridge, giving the assurance that the project would be delivered soon.

He reeled out some of the achievements of his administration in the last 100 days, and said that the state government had delivered two housing estates within the period.

According to him, the estates are Pa Omojola Estate in Gbagada and Oba Lateef Adams Estate in Agege.

He said that the housing projects would reduce accommodation problem.

The governor said that a relaxation park was constructed in Alausa, Ikeja, within the period, adding that more than 2,000 life jackets were provided to ferry operators to aid water transportation.

Fashola said that the state government was committed to the welfare of all residents, adding that it would continue to execute projects to achieve that.

(NAN)

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Babatunde Fashola, lagos state, road projects

Lafarge Backs AshakaCem To Fast-track N100bn Expansion Project

The Board of Directors of AshakaCem Plc, and its management team, with support by experts from other Lafarge Group’s businesses across the globe, have agreed to fast-track the expansion of its N100 billion cement plant in the North-East.

The move, it was learnt, became imperative in order to guarantee the future of the company, enhance jobs creation in the North-East and deliver economic and social welfare to the immediate communities.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the project was done in April 2014 by President Goodluck Jonathan and ushered in a new phase in the capacity expansion project of the company.

Having secured sufficient limestone and coal reserves to support the existing plant as well as the new plant, it was learnt that contracts have been signed with main equipment and engineering suppliers. For instance, to ensure the timely delivery of the project, the detailed design of the equipment as well as mobilisation of the sources had commenced.

The chairman of the board, Umaru Kwairanga, confirmed these developments in Abuja when he disclosed that the Lafarge Group is committed to the capacity expansion project in AshakaCem. He added that the group would deploy to the fullest its global expertise in procurement and erection of new cement plant and noted that credit facility lines of about N50 billion had been secured and signed in addition to internally generated cashflows to support the expansion project. In addition, he expressed confidence that given the extent of preparatory work that had been done, the project would soon become visible to all stakeholders.

He said, “AshakaCem in the last 40 years since its establishment has operated in harmony with all its neighbouring communities and this partnership is working to the mutual benefits of both parties.

“The company’s corporate social responsibility projects continues to focus on the provision of portable water, health care, education and youth empowerment. In the last three years alone, the company spent the sum of N400 million on community-related projects and there is the opportunity for the company to do more as this partnership thrives.”

The country chief executive officer (CEO), Lafarge Nigeria and Benin Republic, Mr Guillaume Roux, stated that the investment of N100 billion in Nigeria was a demonstration of its commitment to the economic growth of the country. This commitment, according to him, also aligns with the company’s strategy to deploy its strength as a global leader with over 175 years in building materials.

He noted that the huge experience of the company would be an added advantage towards providing solutions that meet global standards and fits the requirements of its customers.

[Leadership]

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AshakaCem, Cement Plant Project, Lafarge Group

FG Ramps Up Efforts On Off-Grid Rural Electrification Programme

The federal government has said that its recent initiative aimed at providing off-grid electricity supply to rural communities across the country will soon go into the next implementation phase.

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo who spoke through his special assistant on renewable energy, Dr. Albert Okorogu recently in Abuja, stated that the next phase of the rural electrification project tagged “Operation Light up Rural Nigeria” is expected to be implemented in partnership with indigenous investors in renewable energy sources.

The Operation Light up Rural Nigeria is an off-grid electrification project initiated by the government to provide solar power to rural communities across the country. President Goodluck Jonathan had launched the pilot scheme of the programme in three rural communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) some months back.

Okorogu however stated that the project would be expanded to include private sector financing in the next phase which is planned to capture a good number of rural communities across the country.

He explained that the pilot projects are to be replicated in all senatorial zones of the country.

“The Operation Light up Rural Nigeria Project is still very much on course. We are currently partnering with local or indigenous investors to ensure speedy execution of the electrification programme.

It is the vision of Mr. President to provide steady power to all Nigerians wherever anyone finds himself. The entire electrification project which has been embarked upon is receiving prompt attention. There is no way one will say we are slow, that’s not the true picture of what is happening, ”Okorogu stated.

He further explained: “At the moment, rural communities which are not connected to the national grid are being identified for solar-powered-electricity. I expect that such communities should contact us so that they will be captured as well, in case any of them feel they are left behind.”

Meanwhile, the ministry of power has announced the initiation of a presidential scheme called the National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPSA).

The ministry noted that the new scheme was envisioned to train artisans, lines men, cable joiners, fitters and machinists on requisite skills needed in Nigeria’s emerging power sector.

Nebo was quoted to have told stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector comprising of plant owners, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other key actors that the qualitative skills needed to run a modern power sector were currently lacking in Nigeria.

He also acknowledged the urgent need to find well-trained replacements for retired or outgoing personnel in the country’s power sector; the retiring workforce are estimated to be about 90 per cent of the current workforce in the sector.

While disclosing that the scheme will be implemented on the platform of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), Nebo further stated that it will be spread across the states of the federation to be able to accommodate a good number of youths that could be interested in it.

[THISDAY]

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Nigeria, power project, Rural Electrification

Governor Dickson Seeks N40 Billion Loan For Bayelsa Airport Project

Less than a year after obtaining a 66 million Euros (N13 billion) foreign loan from Poland for a Maritine University in September 2013, the Bayelsa government has concluded plans for another loan facility. The new facility would, however, be from Nigerian banks and for an airport project.

Mr. Dickson told Bayelsa lawmakers that despite the federal government’s involvement in the airport construction, the state government needed a N40 billion loan for the project.

The N40 billion loan to be sourced from commercial banks in Nigeria will finance the cargo airport project, being constructed near Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The governor had, last week, forwarded a letter of request to the People Democratic Party, PDP, dominated House of Assembly, seeking approval for the loan.

Although details of the loan are yet to be made public, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the N40 billion loan facility would attract a total interest of N32 billion to be serviced within eight years, bringing total repayment to N72 billion.

Mr. Dickson in the letter assured the Assembly that the airport would be ready for use by the last quarter of 2015.

He said the Federal Government’s contribution to the airport project is the construction of the terminal building; while the federal government’s earlier contract awarded through the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to sand fill the site, would continue at its pace.

“Out of the total estimated cost of the project, the state government has already expended the sum of N9.3 billion for payment of compensation for land, consultancy services, construction of run-way and clearing of land, among others”, Mr. Dickson stated.

Following the governor’s request, the state House of Assembly on Tuesday invited relevant government officials to provide details of the loan.

Those invited were the Commissioner for Finance, Duate Iyabi, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kemasuode Wodu, the state Accountant General, Tarimo Aseimo, and the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airlines, Henry Ungbuku.

The four officials, in their submissions during questioning by the lawmakers at a session presided over by the Speaker, Konbowei Benson, assured of the socio-economic benefits of the airport to the state and allayed the fear that the loan may be diverted into private pockets.

The all PDP 24-member assembly is expected to approve the loan.

[PREMIUM TIMES]

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aviation project, Bayelsa Airport Project, News, Nigeria

FG Seek More Nigerian Investment in Power

The federal government yesterday called on more Nigerians to invest in the power industry to address the protracted electricity problems in the country.

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of 90 megawatts power plant in Magboro, Ogun State, owned by Bresson AS Nigeria Limited, Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said more Nigerians, especially those involved in the oil and gas sector should build more power plants to increase supply to the national grid.

He said investments in the sector should not be left in the hands of few Nigerians, stressing that the snags in the sector required that more people go into the electricity generation and distribution.

He explained that Ogun State boasts of many plants, adding that the state know that power was critical to the development of the economy.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to commission the plant by December 2014 as part of efforts to improve electricity production in the country.

According to him, “Bresson AS Nigeria, the company behind the 90 megawatts power plant has promised to increase the megawatts to between 250MW to 300MW in the next few years. This shows the commitment of the company and the Ogun state government to make the area more industrialised.”

He said President Jonathan was committed to changing the living standard of all Nigerians hence his commitment to the power sector.

“To lift the country to the next level we must eradicate poverty by creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. It is very critical to pursue the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity as the very fulcrum of national development. The president believes that to give Nigerians not only adequate but also qualitative power supply is very cardinal to his mandate.

“He believes that this is his contract with Nigerians, a covenant that he was determined to enforce. The president knows that he must take Nigeria to another level. Past administrations left the power sector to rotten, very little was done in terms of infrastructural development as regards power generation and distribution. Very little was also done in our communities. Luckily, the country started the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) that was what has given us a lifeline in times like this.”

In his speech, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle said greater investments in the power sector would help in galvanising the economy.

Represented by his Special Adviser on energy, Mr Taiwo Fagbemi, he said poverty would reduce, once Nigeria can get the energy sector right.

He said there were 12 licensed operators in the state who have demonstrated the need to improve electricity supply to the national grid.

According to him, the government’s investment in infrastructure was evident by massive road repairs and construction in the recent times.

Chairman of Bresson A.S Limited, Gbenga Olawepo, said the project was conceived 10 years ago when there was no power reform plan.

Since then, we have invested over $10 million without any return. We are not going to wait for ten years before we switch on the lights in this project, by the grace of God in 12 months we will be commissioning the first phase.”

[THISDAY]

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Chinedu Nebo, Magboro Power Plant, nipp, power project

The NAPMP is a National Platform to Promote the Practice of Project Management in Nigeria - Taopheek Babayeju

The case and need for a national project management professional body in Nigeria has been well discussed in my previous articles titled “The Case for a National Project Management Professional Body in Nigeria” and “Why We Need a National Project Management Professional Body in Nigeria“.

And to this effect, we recently received good news that a National Association of Project Management Professionals (NAPMP) has been officially registered and duly recognized by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from May 2014, and to get more information as regarding the newly established association, I had to get in touch with Mr. Taopheek Babayeju.

In case you don’t know him, Mr. Taopheek is the C.E.O of iCentra, the

Taopheek Babayeju

Program Director of the National Project Management Conference (ProMaCon), and a member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) vested with the responsibility of properly setting up the body, preparing the Articles and Memorandum of Association and also conducting elections to elect permanent officers in accordance with the ratified articles and memo.

Here are the questions I asked Mr. Taopheek:

JERRY: As A Member Of The Interim Management Committee (IMC), Tell Us The Committee’s Responsibility As Regarding Project Management In Nigeria.

TAOPHEEK: One of the responsibilities of the IMC is to harmonize all interest of various bodies within the project management community in Nigeria, and I am privileged to be a member of that committee.

JERRY: How Did The NAPMP Really Came About?

TAOPHEEK: The National Association of Project Management Professionals (NAPMP) is a direct response to years of clamor for a national platform to promote the interest of the practice of project management in Nigeria. But at the third annual National Project Management Conference, ProMaCon 2011, which was attended by about five hundred delegates, there was a stakeholders’ forum with a far reaching resolution for the creation of a national association.

Mr. Ike Nwankwo presented the platform of APM also known as (N)APM for adoption. To actualize this, a team of astute Project Managers were appointed to either midwife the adoption, transform it or outright registration of a new body. At the end of the day, the committee settled for the registration of a new body hence the approval and the recent registration of the body called NAPMP.

JERRY: How Soon Will The Association Begin To Recruit Members?

TAOPHEEK: Membership will commence before the end of the year. The trustees are working on the plan to unveil the association officially, may be at the sixth conference with all the conditions of membership and membership structure.

JERRY: What Impact Do You Think The NAPMP Would Have On Project Management Practices Within Nigeria?


TAOPHEEK: As you are aware, there are lots of opportunities for project manager but it is quite unfortunate that those opportunities are being circumvented by non-project managers because of absence of a common platform of advocacy for project management practice in Nigeria. But with the coming of a national association, there would be adequate representation and promotion of the interest of project management practitioners in Nigeria.

JERRY: Lastly, Give Us Your Own Opinion Of How You Think This Body Will Benefit Project Managers In Nigeria.

TAOPHEEK: It would aid in the establishment of project management as a profession and maintain specialist network of project management practitioners. It will also create a platform for exchange of professional ideas in Nigeria.

Now, we want to hear from you. Tell us what you think about the NAPMP.

NAPMP, project management nigeria, Project Management Practitioners, Project Management Professionals, Taopheek Babayeju

AXELOS Progresses ITIL-Like Best Practice For Cyber Resilience

AXELOS, the joint venture organisation that owns ITIL and PRINCE2, has detailed some of its plans to create what could eventually define an ITIL-like best practice equivalent for cyber resilience.

In an interview, Nick Wilding, AXELOS’ head of cyber resilience best practice at the joint venture set up to grow the government’s portfolio of best management practice, accreditation and publishing services, indicated AXELOS’ plans to market its resilience portfolio, including the development of a cyber resilience maturity assessment tool, mapping across a number of standards.

“At the end of the day we are all about global best practice, “he said. “We are looking to launch at the end of this year, with the primary launch market likely to be US and UK. We believe in using ITIL – which is 25 years old this year – as the underpinning framework and language for a cyber resilience portfolio. It is fair to say we’re creating a cyber resilience equivalent to ITIL. We’re also using the latest serious gaming techniques to embed within the training programme, developing in house simulations.”

Wilding believed the work that AXELOS is doing herald the start of 25 years and longer growth of cyber resilience best practice and skills.

“We do see a real gap in the market, “he added. “One is there is no shortage of standards. All of my conversations out in the marketplace with some big organisations who are ITIL users, describe their confusion at the number of standards which define what you need to do. But there’s very little out there that defines the how to do it. And that’s where we see our best practice guidance, very similar to ITIL and PRINCE2. It’s much more about pragmatic actionable guidance.”

According to Wilding, many of the standards and the solutions that people tend to start from a technology perceptive. He suggested that “very good” schemes like Cyber Essentials need to be surrounded by “the awareness, the people and the process that brings everything together into one overall solution.”

He added, “One thing I’ve been very keen about is that out solution should be available to all within an organisation, starting at the very top, including solutions targeting board directors right through to heads of business across the organisation, including the head of risk right down to the people who own IT security and information security within the organisation. Different levels of awareness and practitioner and professional training.”

[Government Computing Network]

AXELOS, Cyber Resilience, ITIL, Nick Wilding, PRINCE2

Women in Project Management Africa Conference

WiPMA Logo

Women in Project Management Africa Conference

Date: November 10-14, 2014.

Venue: National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Abuja.

The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) and the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) in collaboration with the Direct Leadership Institute (DLI) are pleased to announce the first ever Women in Project Management Africa Conference.

This internationally certified conference provides the much needed platform to address the key issues affecting women managers today and working to provide opportunities for women to further develop their potential in today’s dynamic environment. It provides a unique blend of conferencing and professional certification.

For more details, send email to femaleprojectmanagers@gmail.com.

African Project Management, project management conference, WiPMA

African Project and Project Management Association Elects Nigeria University Don as President

WiMPA Logo

The African Project and Project Management Association (APPMA) has elected Nigerian university don, Prof Festus Ukwuoma, as its next President.

Prof Ukwuoma, who is currently the Head of Project Management Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), was elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Association as part of the 2nd African Project and Program Management Conference (APPMC) just ended in Ghana.

By this election, Prof Ukwuoma will lead the Association for the next two years and would bring his decades of project management and administrative experiences to bear on the growth of the Association.

President of the Direct Leadership Institute (DLI), and Project Director of the African Project and Program Management Conference (APPMC), Dr. Donald Agumenu was elected as Secretary General.

Head of Human Resources at the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Ghana, Yvonne Vandepuye would serve as Vice President (Programs) while Engineer Asuquo Okon, an oil and gas project management consultant/ trainer would serve as Vice President (Membership & Mobilization).

Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo (first commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group -ECOMOG-, former Minister of Defence, Ghana and will chair the Advisory  Council of the African Project and Program Management Board). Mr. Boniface Emenalo of the National Assembly also sits in the advisory board.

The conference also witnessed the formal inauguration of Women in Project Management Africa (WiMPA). WiMPA would serve as the women’s wing of the African Project and Program Management Association. Women in Project Management Africa (WiMPA) is a Pan-African professional network aimed at empowering and developing the capacities of women in project, change, program and portfolio management.

The Association elected Mrs. Veronica Sadah, a retired Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations at Ghana Custom, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) as President, while Relation Manager at First National Savings and Loans Company, Hilda Nkansah would serve as Vice President I  Rhoda Appiah is Vice President II (in charge of international relations). Enyonan Ekpe is Membership and Mobilization Coordinator, while Senior Supply Officer at the Ministry of Agric, Ghana, Alice Zu, is Secretary of the Association.

Imaobong Essien-Eti of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was elected Financial Secretary.

Speaking at the inauguration of the  Women in Project Management Africa (WIPMA), Mrs. Veronica Sadah, thanked the Direct Leadership institute (DLI) and the African Project and Program Management Association (APPMA) for nurturing the formation of the Women in Project Management Africa (WiMPA).

She said: “Association will provide the much needed platform to address the key issues affecting women managers today and working to provide opportunities for women to further develop their potentials in today’s dynamic environment.

“Women are known globally as good managers. Name any great institution in the world, and one can easily identity a number of women working professionally and tirelessly, sometimes more than their male counterparts, to ensure that nothing but success is achieved. Women have made their mark, and should be recognized for such.

“According to the World Bank’s report ‘Gender at Work’, gender quality in the world of work is a win-win on many fronts. Indeed, empowering women and girls is vital to ending extreme poverty and boosting what the World Bank terms ‘Shared Prosperity.’ Empowering women would, no doubt, contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Post 2015 agenda.

“Unfortunately, African women have not organized themselves into well recognized professional groups to champion their own course. Some of the platforms that readily come to mind are: Abantu for Development, Federation of Women Lawyers, and a few others are the known ones. Women need to broaden their voices.”

WiMPA, she said, represents a much needed alliance to address the key issues affecting women managers today and working to provide opportunities for members to further develop their potential in today’s dynamic environment.

She used the opportunity to announce a fees-free registration period for women project managers across Africa till December 2014.

She urged women to take advantage of this window to come on board to champion this course by sending their request for membership to femaleprojectmanagers@gmail.com.

[Direct Leadership Institute]

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Delta Multi-Million Naira Flyover Bridge Collapses, Kills 3

A multi-million naira flyover bridge Thursday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, under construction collapsed; killing three persons on the spot while two persons sustained serious injuries.

The victims were indigenous workers of Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) Limited, the construction firm handling the project for Delta State government.

It was learnt, the victims were carrying out deep excavation at the base of the pillars that will suspend the flyover bridge, when the sand caved in, burying the workers alive.

[Daily Times Nigeria]

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FG, US Investors Sign MoU To Construct Gas-fired Plant

The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with investors from the United States (US) that will fast-track the realisation of gas-fired power plants in the country.

The MoU was signed on behalf of government by the minister of state for power, Muhammad Wakil, with a five-man American investors, led by Mr Roy Yeferez.

The project to be located in Bayelsa State would be funded wholly by the investors who are also expected to provide technical competencies for it.

Speaking at the event, the minister commended the determination of the team and their associate, Yeffet Mesika Group, for making it possible to realise the MoU, adding that their belief in Nigeria’s potentials has underscored their reliability to deliver on the proposed power project.

He explained that the ministry already has an understanding with the Bayelsa State Government where the proposed plant, which is expected to be realised in no distant future, will be located.

The ministry’s director, legal services, Mrs Adetutu Soetan, informed that the detailed proposal for the project is to be supplied by Messrs Yeffet Mesika, while other activities by the visiting team will include acquisition of a project site, discussion with relevant regulatory agencies that will facilitate the project execution.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Ron Yeferez, has described Team Africa signing of MoU with Nigeria as core to the corporate style of his group.

He said the MoU is the foundation for the development of some power projects and transmission lines while promising the groups positive contribution to the attainment of uninterrupted power supply to Nigerian homes and industries.

The investors where however, urged to ensure that indigenous engineers understudy the project execution, in order to have necessary skills to operate the plant on completion.

[Leadership Newspapers]

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Bayelsa State, Gas-fired Plant, Muhammad Wakil, power project, Roy Yeferez

Nigeria to Launch NEWMAP Project to Check Erosion – Minister

The Federal Ministry of Environment says it will soon inaugurate the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, aimed at checking erosion in the country, especially in the South-East.

The Minister of Environment, Laurentia Mallam, made this known when she received Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra in the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said that the Federal Government was aware of the threat posed by erosion in the state, saying that the government was determined to tackle the menace.

“We know the problem in the South-East, especially Anambra–erosion and flooding; Anambra State is doing everything possible to partner with us.

“They have deposited about N500,000 to partner with Federal Government on the NEWMAP Project.

“And very soon, the project will be launched and work will begin in earnest to check erosion in the South-East, especially Anambra State.

“We want to call on other state governors to do the same, so that the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President will be a reality and touch the lives of so many, especially the downtrodden.”

The minister told her guests that the Federal Government implemented 17 erosion projects in the state in 2013, adding that 18 projects would be implemented in the state in 2014.

Mallam, however, assured the governor of the ministry’s support to carry out other environmental projects in the state.

She said that the ministry was planning to organise a National Sanitation Day to sensitise Nigerians on the importance of good sanitation.

“We want to keep our state capitals clean, the local governments and the villages and when the environment is clean and conducive for our well-being, a lot of things will be taken care of.”

The minister, therefore, urged Nigerians to protect the environment by desisting from unfriendly practices, such as bush burning, incriminate refuse dumping and felling of trees, among others.

Earlier, Obiano said that the erosion problem in Anambra had become alarming, noting that the state had appealed to the World Bank and the Federal Government for assistance.

“I am happy that the both the World Bank and the Federal Government are assisting in this area. Currently, the World Bank and the Federal Ministry, in partnership with Anambra, are working on four erosion sites.

“The last meeting I had with the team two weeks ago, we agreed that the sites should be increased to 12 and I am most willing to put down my counterpart contribution to facilitate those activities.

“On our own part, we are putting some laws in place to stop these habits that could degrade the environment,” he said.

The NEWMAP project will be implemented in seven states of Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, Enugu, Edo and Imo.

(NAN)

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Erosion, Laurentia Mallam, NEWMAP Project, Nigeria

Uncompleted Gas Project: FG Loses $1.5 Billion Revenue

Experts have predicted that Nigeria may lose substantial market opportunities if it further foot-drags from developing the various gas projects that have been abandoned.

Already, it has been estimated that the country is losing about $1.5 billion revenue from that sector.

Two Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants located in Brass in Bayelsa and Olokola in Ogun State have been in state of comatose over the last five years.

Stakeholders have therefore warned that Nigeria’s desire to expand its market share in the global gas supply may suffer a serious setback very soon in the event that she is unable to get the two other LNG plants off the ground.

They said that the non-takeoff of the Brass and Olokola LNG projects has cost the country over $1.5 billion.

Over $500 million and $1 billion have been spent on 5.5 million metric ton per annum Olokola LNG and 10 million metric ton per annum Brass LNG respectively, of which government through the NNPC accounted for over $700 million or 48 per cent.

According to Victor Eremosele, a consultant who has just retired from the Nigeria LNG Limited, the market windows available for these projects now may soon disappear because, by 2020, it may be difficult to find a situation where significant funds have been spent by other countries on their gas projects and these countries would now become new sources of supply of gas to the market.

Victor Eromosele who spoke at the ongoing World Petroleum Congress, holding in Moscow, Russia, said another problem that would confront the gas from Nigeria plants if they ever take off would be the increasing drop in the price of gas at the international market.

According to him, the Shale gas from the United States of America and other gas discoveries elsewhere could make the plants find it difficult to make any significant inroad to other markets. He stated that the price of gas at the international market has started dropping and, coupled with major discoveries of gas across Africa and the world, may sooner or later impact negatively on the revenue from Nigeria LNGs because of shrinking market.

“We do have our three LNG plants; what are we doing with them? Nigeria should just get serious and fix those two other LNG projects. I mean, they have three LNG projects: get them started, and get them running and then compete; otherwise, that window will soon disappear because, by 2020, we will find a situation where significant funds have been spent by other countries and those Capex are actually converting to new sources of supply to the market,” he said.

He stated that prices will trend southwards to around $9 because there are about six exporters with licences in the US and it is expected that this would continue going forward. “This simply means that the market will change.”

According to him, the NLNG still survived three years after the focus shifted to Shale gas because it was selling most of our LNG products; instead of the Atlantic Basin in Europe and America, it started selling in Japan.

“This is however at a very high cost,” he said, “because, to get to Japan, it’s three times the distance of getting to Europe. So it’ll cost you more but, at the end of the day, we found the strategy worked.”

[Leadership Newspapers]

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Bayelsa, Gas Project, NLNG, Ogun, Olokola LNG