Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu says funding is the greatest challenge in efforts to revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Plant as Nigeria needs an excess of $2 billion to invest in it.

The Minister made this known in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during his official visit to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and other indigenous steel sector stakeholders in the state.

He noted that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is working to grow the economy of the country by $1 trillion which involves supporting indigenous key players in the steel sector to industrialise Nigeria.

Abubakar-Audu also maintained that there is an ongoing discussion to have an industrial park at the Ajaokuta Steel Mill to attract key players in the sector. He explained that his Ministry is engaging key industry players across the country with a view to turning around the economy.

[L-R: Mr. Roger Brown, CEO Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Temi Popoola, Group CEO, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group; Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, Board Chairman, Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Jude Chiemeka, Ag. CEO, NGX; Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, NGX Group; Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), at the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony to mark a Decade of Listing of Seplat Energy on the NGX and the London Stock Exchange … on Tuesday]
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) reverberated with the jubilant sound of the bell as Seplat Energy PLC, a leading independent indigenous energy company, celebrates a significant milestone – a decade of its dual listing on both the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This commemorative event, attended by esteemed representatives from Seplat Energy, the NGX, the Nigeria government, and other institutional partners, marks a decade of strategic partnership and commitment to excellence in the energy sector.

During his speech at the anniversary, Mr. Roger Brown, CEO, Seplat Energy, expressed delight over the feat, reiterating Seplat Energy’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s energy transition, adding that the power of indigenous companies is to bring growth and prosperity to their home countries and the people. “One example of how Seplat Energy is making an enduring difference to Nigeria and host communities where we operate is that nearly $50m had been invested by our Joint Venture partnerships in communities since our inception to date,” Brown said.

“Truly, Seplat Energy has delivered significant value by enhancing strategic, operational and financial achievements in 10 years as a listed company,” he added.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil); Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, NGX Group; ; Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, Board Chairman, Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Roger Brown, CEO Seplat Energy; and Mr. Bello Rabiu, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Seplat Energy, lead other Directors and Management of Seplat Energy, at the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony to mark a Decade of Listing of Seplat Energy on the NGX and the London Stock Exchange … on Tuesday

In his comments, Mr. Temi Popoola, CEO, NGX Group, emphasized the significance of Seplat Energy’s decade of dual listing stating, “If we were to look back to our market and tried to find landmarks, the last major landmark you will find in the last ten years is this transaction that we are celebrating today, and the market is very grateful for that”.

Congratulating Seplat Energy on this milestone, in his welcoming remarks, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, NGX Group Chairman, highlighted the importance of partnerships between the NGX and companies like Seplat Energy in driving economic growth and development stating that “Seplat’s journey symbolises resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, making them a beacon of corporate governance and operational expertise. Seplat Energy has emerged as a leading indigenous energy company, deeply integrated into Nigeria’s economic landscape and the NGX Group remains committed to supporting companies like Seplat Energy as they drive economic growth and contribute to our nation’s prosperity”.

Reflecting on the significance of the decade of dual listing, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, Board Chairman, Seplat Energy remarked, “Seplat Energy is committed to driving Nigeria’s transition to sustainable and affordable energy, harnessing its power to improve lives by transforming the economy. We have ambitious goals. We are investing in Nigeria. We will support the federal government’s energy transition policy, and we will partner with FG in whatever area they want us to do so. That is our commitment. We will grow Seplat while also maintaining the highest standard of corporate governance”.

Also commending Seplat Energy on the decade of listing, Jude Chiemeka, Acting CEO, NGX stressed the importance of the capital market in helping companies raise funds and creating wealth for all, stating that “Seplat Energy was listed at 576 Naira at listing and yesterday it closed at 3,370 which is an increase of over 484%. The figures show that in the last 10 years, the company has paid out $575m in dividend payments to shareholders in Nigeria and London where they are also listed, so this company has given investors a huge opportunity to really participate in wealth creation. Reports show that Nigeria would be among the top 20 countries in the next 25 years, and I think Seplat is poised to be one of the institutions driving growth, prosperity, and inclusion in our nation”.

Also gracing the closing gong ceremony was Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), who gave kudos to Seplat Energy on their laudable achievements while also assuring of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing support to the company. “I am happy to be part of today’s celebration and Seplat’s exceptional performance in the last ten years and as Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, I assure that we will partner with Seplat to expand their investments, not only for the benefit of its shareholders, but also for Nigeria. The least the government can do anywhere in the world is to create an environment where companies like Seplat continue to thrive”.

Seplat Energy remains focused on driving value for its shareholders, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and championing sustainable practices in the energy sector, with ongoing projects such as the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and the development of the ANOH Gas processing plant. The company’s diversified portfolio, including eight onshore and shallow water assets strategically located in the Niger Delta region, has enabled it to maximize hydrocarbon production while actively contributing to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.

Seplat Energy’s robust gas portfolio, highlighted by the ANOH Gas processing plant project, underscores its pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to gas. This aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy goals, promoting cleaner energy sources, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and driving a greener and more sustainable energy landscape in Nigeria.

With commitment to corporate governance, corporate citizenship, and making significant corporate social investments, as reflected in its rigorous approach to performance assessment and its investment in community development initiatives, Seplat Energy is poised for continued success in the years to come.