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When Billionaire Gas mogul, Julius Rone Shone like a Diamond

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Think of a billionaire businessman blessed with money, brains, confidence, oratory power and the name of Julius Rone, OFR, Group Managing Director, of UTM Offshore Limited, UTMOL will pop up.

It is definitely an incontestable fact that the serial entrepreneur is one of the few Nigerian business moguls that rub shoulders with other high networth individuals around the world. His rich and diverse entrepreneurial journey that has helped shape

For many years, he has been busy cutting deals beyond the shores of the continent of Africa while also proving that good things can also come out from this side of the world.   

He has a rich and diverse entrepreneurial journey that has helped shape the business sector in Africa. His path to success includes a series of ventures that have significantly contributed to the region’s business growth. 

Aside his pedigree as a topnotch business strategist, it is also a gospel truth that the man, fondly called ‘King of Gas’, is also popular among other high-flying business moguls for his eloquence and articulacy.

The Delta-born top player in the gas sector, as gathered, exhibited that he is not only wealthy but also brainy. 

This he has not failed to flaunt whenever the occasions arise, and the occasions seem to arise so many times lately and Rone has never been found wanting.

In fact, a source revealed that this is the reason he is being invited to seminars, forums and business meetings around the world where he has dazzled many with his talent like the great Roman orator, Cicero.

Once, again he shone brilliantly like a diamond  yesterday, Tuesday November, 14, 2023, at the LNG shipping and terminals Conference in London. The man, full of ingenuity, mesmerised his audience while he spoke about The Role of Policy Instruments and Government Support for the FLNG Project such as Investment Incentives, Regulatory Framework, where government policies can provide financial incentives such as tax breaks, grants, or subsidies to attract private investment in FLNG projects. These incentives, he explained, can help reduce the overall project cost and encourage private sector participation.

The very brilliant businessman also talks about how governments play a crucial role in creating a favourable regulatory environment for FLNG projects, which includes establishing clear guidelines for environmental protection, safety standards, and permitting processes. A well-defined regulatory framework provides certainty for project developers and investors.

Not only that, he also touched on other topics, such as market Drivers for Exploiting Gas in Nigeria, Predicted Gas Volumes from the Development and Quantity expected to be exported, Partnerships in Place and Progress Against Project Timeline and Planning for the challenges of developing Nigeria’s first FLNG project.

The billionaire business mogul received a standing ovation, accompanied with a deafening applause for his dazzling and awe-inspiring speech.

Some of key points he touched include:

The Role of Policy Instruments and Government Support

for the FLNG Project

The Role of Policy Instruments and Government Support For the FLNG Project

Investment Incentives

Regulatory Framework

He gave an insight where government policies can provide financial incentives such as tax breaks, grants, or subsidies to attract private investment in FLNG projects. These incentives can help reduce the overall project cost and encourage private sector participation.

Also, he explained that governments play a crucial role in creating a favorable regulatory environment for FLNG projects. This includes establishing clear guidelines for environmental protection, safety standards, and permitting processes. A well-defined regulatory framework provides certainty for project developers and investors.

The Role of Policy Instruments and Government Support For the FLNG Project

Market Access

Risk Mitigation

Mr. Rone said governments can facilitate market access for FLNG projects by negotiating export agreements, promoting gas trade, and ensuring a fair and transparent market. Access to domestic and international markets is essential for the success of FLNG ventures.

Where LNG projects often involve significant financial and technical risks. Governments can

help mitigate these risks by providing guarantees or insurance options to project

developers. This support can encourage private sector involvement and reduce the

overall cost of financing.

Market Drivers for Exploiting Gas in Nigeria

The Role of Policy Instruments and Government Support For the FLNG Project

Energy Demand & Access

Export Opportunities

He said Nigeria has a growing population and increasing energy demand. Gas is a cleaner and

more environmentally friendly alternative to coal and oil, making it a desirable option for

meeting this growing energy demand. Expanding access to clean and affordable energy is a key driver for gas exploitation.

Rone hinted that Nigeria is one of the world’s top gas reserves holders. Exporting natural gas, especially in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), provides a substantial revenue source.

International markets, particularly in Asia and Europe, offer attractive opportunities for

exporting Nigerian gas, making it an economic incentive.

The Role of Policy Instruments and Government Support For the FLNG Project

Industrialization & Economic Growth

Government Policies &

Incentives

‘’Gas is essential for various industries, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, and

power generation. As Nigeria aims to diversify its economy and promote industrialization,

gas becomes a crucial driver, as it can provide a reliable and cost-effective source of

energy for industrial processes and electricity generation.

The Nigerian government’s policies and incentives can significantly influence gas

exploitation. Incentives such as tax breaks, investment support, and favorable regulatory

frameworks can attract both domestic and foreign investors to the gas sector. Policies

aimed at improving gas infrastructure and reducing gas flaring also play a role in driving

gas development’’ He added.

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Oando Plc’s historic Obodo Crude lift and rise as Nigeria’s global energy champion

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By Victor Ojelabi

In a staggering achievement for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Oando Trading, a subsidiary of the Wale Tinubu-led Oando Group, etched its name into the nation’s energy history books by becoming the first company to lift Nigeria’s newest crude blend, Obodo.

This development in April 2025 is not just a commercial breakthrough; it symbolises the growing strength and ambition of indigenous oil companies poised to dominate the global energy conversation.

The Obodo crude, a medium sweet blend, is extracted from the onshore OML 150 block operated by Continental Oil & Gas Limited, a company under the ownership of business magnate Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., GCON.

The block functions under a production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), headed by Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari.

To complete the value chain, the crude was stored and lifted via the FPSO Tamaratokani, a state-of-the-art floating production, storage, and offloading vessel owned by Century Group under the leadership of Ken Etete.

Its strategic location off the Niger Delta coast enables swift access to global markets, ensuring that Nigeria’s oil flows efficiently into the international energy supply.

Oando Trading’s export tanker, Atlantic Spirit, made the historic first lift of Obodo crude, coordinated seamlessly by Century Group’s technical teams.

The symbolic importance of this transaction was not lost on Oando’s CEO, Wale Tinubu, who remarked, “This isn’t just a trade; it’s a message. The message that Nigeria’s energy industry is ready, capable, and rising. One historic barrel at a time.”

This important milestone aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to boost Nigeria’s daily oil production by one million barrels.

For stakeholders like NNPCL, Oando, Century Group, and Continental Oil & Gas, the Obodo lift stands as proof to the capability of Nigerian companies to drive national energy goals through indigenous leadership and innovation.

As the Atlantic Spirit sails into international waters bearing Nigeria’s latest crude blend, it carries more than oil; it carries the aspirations of a nation and the emergence of Oando as a true African energy giant with a global vision

But the story of Oando doesn’t end with one successful lift. In fact, it is only the latest chapter in a bold transformation that has seen the company evolve from a local oil marketer to Nigeria’s leading integrated energy solutions provider—and now, a rising global brand in the energy sector.

Central to Oando’s ascendancy is its strategy of acquiring high-value assets to expand its upstream portfolio.

In 2024, Oando acquired a 100% stake in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) from Italian energy giant Eni S.p.A.

The landmark $783 million transaction was hailed as the “Energy Deal of the Year 2024” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit.

With this acquisition, Oando significantly increased its interest in four critical onshore assets—OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63—and consolidated its role as a major operator in Nigeria’s oil heartland.

But Oando’s ambitions go beyond national borders.

The company was recently named the preferred bidder to lease the Guaracara refinery in Trinidad and Tobago, a strategic move into the Caribbean energy market.

This expansion marks Oando as one of the few African energy firms extending its footprint into other regions, positioning itself as a truly global player.

Oando’s rise is not just based on strategic vision; it is backed by numbers.

For the financial year ending December 2024, the company posted a 45% increase in revenue, hitting ₦4.1 trillion, up from ₦2.9 trillion in the previous year.

Its total assets soared to ₦7.5 trillion, a nearly threefold rise from ₦2.6 trillion, establishing both aggressive growth and investor confidence.

This growth is underpinned by equally ambitious production targets.

The company has announced plans to increase its daily crude oil output to 100,000 barrels and gas output to 1.5 billion standard cubic feet over the next five years.

These targets place Oando at the centre of Nigeria’s push for energy security and economic transformation.

Also, in an industry often criticised for its environmental impact, Oando is charting a progressive course.

It recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a 1.2-gigawatt solar project—the largest in Nigeria’s history.

This bold step into renewables reflects the company’s growing awareness of the global energy transition and its desire to be a part of the solution, not just the status quo.

At the heart of Oando’s transformation is Wale Tinubu, a figure synonymous with strategic leadership in Africa’s energy space.

Recognised as a Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum and celebrated for his tenacity and foresight, Tinubu has steered Oando through decades of regulatory, operational, and financial challenges to emerge as a beacon of what is possible for African corporations on the world stage.

From the historic lifting of Obodo crude to high-profile global acquisitions and renewable energy ventures, Oando is demonstrating that an indigenous Nigerian firm can be both a national leader and a global competitor.

Its journey exemplifies a broader shift in Africa’s energy narrative; one in which African companies are not just participants but pacesetters in the global energy economy.

As the Atlantic Spirit sails into international waters bearing Nigeria’s latest crude blend, it carries more than oil; it carries the aspirations of a nation and the emergence of Oando as a true African energy giant with a global vision.

 


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Dangote, NNPC pledges collaboration for Nigeria’s energy security

Dangote Group CEO Aliko Dangote paid a courtesy visit to NNPC Ltd. GCEO Bayo Ojulari in Abuja, focusing on mutually beneficial partnerships and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.

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Dangote Ojulari Meeting

Dangote Group CEO Aliko Dangote paid a courtesy visit to NNPC Ltd. GCEO Bayo Ojulari in Abuja, focusing on mutually beneficial partnerships and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security

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CBN raises N804.85bn at OMO auction amid strong investor demand

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) successfully raised N804.85 billion at its Open Market Operations (OMO) auction, driven by strong investor appetite for high-yield, long-tenor securities amidst excess liquidity and elevated inflation expectations.

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CBN OMO auction

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) successfully raised N804.85 billion at its Open Market Operations (OMO) auction, driven by strong investor appetite for high-yield, long-tenor securities amidst excess liquidity and elevated inflation expectations

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