OTL Africa 2021 to focus on energy transition, regulatory uncertainties

The 15^th edition of the Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream has been scheduled to hold from 26^th to 29th October 2021 at Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

The Chairman of OTL Africa Downstream, Emeka Akabogu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday said the theme of the event is “Downstream in Transition – Getting Set”.

Akabogu said the event has received strong interest as a result of uncertainties surrounding new industry legislation, fundamental changes in energy demand and consumption patterns, advancement in technology and global outcry against greenhouse gas emissions.

“While Africa seems to be on the fringes of the global energy transition driven by stricter environmental regulations, the recent enactment of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act provides a new vista of opportunities for operators across the industry value chain. However, industry operators are concerned about how existing uncertainties could affect implementation of the new downstream legislations, the impact of the statutory changes, in addition to how global issues relating to energy transition will impact the market,” the statement said.

He said the OTL Africa Downstream Week 2021 will therefore, provide the platform to address issues along major thematic subjects comprising Clean Fuels and Refining Standards in the Age of Zero Carbon; Safety and Security in Shipping Petroleum Products; What is Changing in the Fuel Retail Landscape; Pricing-Infrastructure and the Growth of Downstream Gas and Lubricants Markets and the Nigeria Fuels Congress.

Speakers include Sir Billy Okoye Group Executive Director, Ventures and Business Development,  Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Dr. Bala David, Group General Manager, Renewable Energy, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Dr. Samba Seye, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc; Mrs. Sheila Abiemo, Director, Projects Monitoring & Evaluation, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana; Mr. Femi Adeyemo, Founder, Arnergy; and Mr Ajibola Akindele, General Manager, Sub Saharan Africa – Schneider Electric.

Mrs. Elizabeth Aliyuda, Managing Director, NNPC Retail Ltd.; Dr. Billy S. Gillis-Harry, President, Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN); Mr. Olumide Adeosun, Chief Executive Officer, Ardova Plc; Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, National President, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO); and Mr. Vishal Premlall, Director, #SouthAfrican Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), will also deliver presentations.

Other speakers include Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Admiral Dele Ezeoba (Rtd.), former Chief of Naval Staff; Mrs Christiana Onabu, Managing Director, NIDAS Group; Dr Bashir Jamoh, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); and Dr. Mkgeorge O. Onyung, President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN).

Also leading presentations at the event are Mr. Isiaku Abdulahi, Managing Director, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC); Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, Managing Director, 11 PLC; Mr. Adeyemi Adetunji, Group Executive Director (Downstream), NNPC; Mr. Clement Isong, Executive Secretary Major Oil Marketers Association; Dr. Muda Yusuf, immediate past Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Damilola Olakunle-Ajayi, Downstream Commercial Executive · IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation; Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman, National Gas Expansion Programme; Mr. Nnamdi Obiagwu, Chief Executive Officer, Eterna Plc; and Mr Emmanuel Omujine, Head, Strategy &Business Development, Rainoil Limited among others.

Invited special guests include Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mele Kyari, to deliver a Keynote Address on the theme of the event – ‘Downstream in Transition – Getting Set’, Senator Sabo Mohammed, Chairman, Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources; and Engr. Auwalu Sarki, Director/CEO Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

The annual OTL Africa Downstream Week is the continent’s leading business forum for market insights, emerging opportunities, products’ showcase and recognition of excellence in the African downstream petroleum value-chain. It features a strategic conference and a dedicated industry exhibition. Popularly referred to as The Africa Downstream Week, it is organised in collaboration with key partners in government and the industry.