oil

Somali Regional State’s Energy and Mining Bureau in a meeting with Poly-GCL representatives. Photo: Somali region Energy and Mining Bureau In a recent turn of events, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has expressed vehement opposition to the Somali Regional State's meeting with the Chinese conglomerate Poly-GCL. The meeting, which has sparked controversy, is seen by the ONLF as a blueprint for what they term "resource plunder," carried out with a blatant disregard for the political and territorial rights of the…

Niger's Resource Strategy: A Changing Landscape In West Africa, the winds of change are blowing. Recently, Niger's military government made a bold decision—one that illustrates a broader trend in the region's approach to managing natural resources. How does one balance sovereignty with globalization in today's complex world? On a rather inconspicuous Wednesday afternoon, three Chinese officials were informed their roles in Niger had come to an abrupt end. Among these officials were…

Unveiling the Global Outreach of Africa’s Largest Refinery In the heart of Africa’s industrial landscape lies a formidable structure: the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a beacon of ambition and commercial prowess. However, just as Rome wasn't built in a day, neither can such vast operations rely solely on local resources. Isn't it fascinating how our world has become so interconnected, from the coffee in your morning cup to the very oil driving this refinery? As…

Would you quiet your mind for a moment to ponder a fascinating development on the economic horizon? Nigeria's vibrant oil and gas sector, a linchpin of its economy, is drawing attention far beyond its borders. At the forefront of this attention are an astounding 74 Chinese enterprises, all set on a mission to invest, innovate, and invigorate. This movement was highlighted in a recent statement issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), stirring a crest of anticipation across both…

Consider this: A tranquil holiday town, brimming with warm sunshine and the laughter of vacationers, suddenly finds itself grappling with an environmental tragedy. Anapa—a charming town on the Black Sea coastline, home to about 80,000 residents—has been thrust into a battle against a formidable adversary. This enemy, however, is not a tangible one; it is an oil spill that has stained over 30 miles of its pristine beaches. The stakes are high, and the mayor, Vasiliy Shvets, valiantly champions the town's cause. On…

Mogadishu (AX) – The winds of change are sweeping across Somalia’s economic landscape, spearheaded by promising news from the Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed. With a tone that mingles optimism and realism, the Minister has announced the near completion of oil exploration activities being conducted by a Turkish enterprise. This significant development may well place Somalia on the map of the world's oil producers by late this year or perhaps the onset of 2026, showcasing a daring leap…

Understanding Nigeria's Crude Oil Dilemma It seems Nigeria may soon witness another increase in petrol prices, and the reason might surprise you. Recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reportedly halted a significant arrangement: the naira-for-crude deal with local refineries. It's a complex issue that might ripple through various sectors of everyday life. Inside sources suggest that NNPC has ceased this crucial deal, which now forces local refineries,…

There's something remarkably exhilarating about big changes in industries, especially when those changes bring about a shift in how things have been operating for years. One wonders: Are such monumental changes noticeable immediately, or do they require a subtle, prolonged observation before their full impact becomes evident? In the bustling world of oil refining, the Dangote Refinery, towering over the skylines of Nigeria, has embarked on a noteworthy journey. Recently, it achieved a significant…

African Oil Discoveries Set to Transform the Global Energy Landscape Imagine a continent rich in energy reserves, like a dormant giant waking to its potential. That's precisely the scene unfolding in Africa's oil sector, according to S&P Global's recent publication, "High Impact Wells 2025". It's noteworthy that Africa has suddenly surged to represent 35% of new oil discoveries in this past year alone. Compare that with a modest 7% just a year before in…

Picture this: A colossal refinery standing tall in Nigeria, not just a symbol of industrial progress but an emblem of a nation's ambition to be a giant in the petrochemical industry. The Dangote Refinery, brainchild of Africa's renowned business magnate Aliko Dangote, is making strategic and daring moves in the global oil market. Their latest venture? A million-barrel crude oil shipment expected from Algeria in mid-March, marking an essential pivot in their crude sourcing philosophy. In the…