Industry captains want broader framework for equity investors in energy
Victor Nze
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ND Western, Mr Eberechukwu Orji, has made a call for the expansion of the framework guiding capital market operations to accommodate small and micro level investors into the oil and gas industry so as deepen the value chain of the market.
Mr Oji who made the call during the question and answer session of the just-concluded virtual seminar on ‘Gas Value Chain, and Investment Opportunities,’ organised by the Women In Energy Network (WIEN), which held Tuesday, posited that lowering the entrance level for investors in the oil and gas sector will also help in cutting the risk of debt trap for investors.
Mr Orji who lamented the acute shortage of supply of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas in the country, said the situation can be confronted with an enhanced investment platform for new entrants.
He noted that local investments in the Nigerian oil and gas industry demands millions and even billions of Naira whereas in places like Houston, he pointed out, an investor could stake as little as $20,000 to $30,000 in a small output operation and rake in your returns.
To create broader funding channel for petroleum industry investment, Mr Orji proposed a restructured capital to create the right framework and accommodate small or micro-small investors.
About 100 persons participated in the seminar organised by WIEN, Nigeria’s foremost gender diversity advocacy group.
Other notable speakers included the Head of Gas Ventures at Neconde Energy Limited, Engr. Chichi Emenike; the General Manager in charge of Production at NLNG Limited, Leye Falade; the Strategy and Planning Manager at Axxela Limited, Ibiyemi Odufuwa; and a Management Consultant, Eleanor Okunbor, who moderated the virtual panel session.
According to WIEN, the virtual seminar is designed ‘to provide attendees with a detailed insight into the gas value chain and where the investment opportunities are in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.’
Member of Board of WIEN, Mr Eyono Fatai-Williams stated that the webinar series provide insights into critical factors that impact investment decisions, such as government regulations, environmental concerns, and geopolitical risks.