Seplat Energy is boldly redefining Nigeria’s energy trajectory through strategic acquisitions, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability and national development. In a revealing conversation with Forbes Africa/Penresa, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, outlined how Seplat is setting the pace for Africa’s indigenous energy companies and shaping the future of energy in Nigeria.
Speaking on the transformational acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), Brown described it as a pivotal milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy autonomy. “This acquisition is a game-changer. It doubled our reserves and significantly expanded our operational footprint. We now oversee 11 oil blocks — seven onshore and four shallow-water offshore — with three terminals linked seamlessly across our network,” Brown revealed.
Following the MPNU deal, Seplat established Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), gaining full control of operations across its integrated value chain. Production has surged from 50,000 barrels per day to over 120,000, while its workforce now exceeds 1,500—predominantly Nigerian talent. “This is about local value creation, national capacity building, and sustainable impact,” Brown emphasized.
Seplat’s offshore assets are also gas-rich, with untapped volumes potentially three times higher than current estimates. “This gas will drive Nigeria’s industrial base, support domestic power generation, and power petrochemicals and LNG exports,” Brown stated. “It’s not just about exports anymore—it’s about building capacity, jobs, and resilience at home.”
With Nigeria’s chronic energy access challenge in mind, Seplat is investing heavily in gas infrastructure. By year-end, three onshore gas processing plants will be operational, serving major hubs like Lagos and Abuja. “Our goal is to process up to one billion cubic feet of gas daily. This capacity will reduce power costs and help eliminate the reliance on expensive diesel generators,” he noted.
While gas remains central to Seplat’s mission, Brown confirmed the company’s long-term ambition in renewables and electricity generation. “In time, we’ll expand into modular gas-to-power systems that reach off-grid rural areas, bringing clean and stable electricity to underserved communities,” he said.
Technology is at the heart of Seplat’s operations, enabling efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship. “We’re ending routine flaring ahead of Nigeria’s 2030 target,” Brown confirmed. “Our onshore facilities will achieve this milestone this year, and we have a clear plan for offshore assets.”
Seplat is deploying AI for predictive maintenance, digital twins for real-time monitoring, and advanced drilling technologies to reduce its carbon footprint. “We’re building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable Seplat—guided by data, innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement,” he said.
This innovation extends to human capital development. “Out of over 10,000 applicants, we recently onboarded 50 graduates through our trainee program,” Brown proudly noted. “We’re also working with Nigerian universities to shape curricula aligned with the future needs of the energy sector—investing in tomorrow’s engineers, economists, geoscientists, and innovators.”
Strong governance and transparency, Brown added, are key to Seplat’s credibility and investor confidence. “We are dual-listed in Lagos and London, and our MPNU acquisition process was exemplary in its diligence and transparency,” he said. He also pointed to increased collaboration between Seplat and NNPCL, including board representation, as a sign of institutional progress and sector transformation.
“Nigeria is pivotal to the future of global energy,” Brown asserted. “With over 200 million people today and projected to reach 400 million by 2050, Nigeria’s story will shape Africa’s destiny—and energy access is the foundation of that future.”
Brown underscored that Africa’s energy transition won’t mirror Europe’s or America’s. “Gas is our bridge fuel—abundant, reliable, and central to solving our energy poverty,” he declared. “Indigenous companies like Seplat are not just participating in the energy transition—they are leading it.”
Beyond business, Seplat’s impact is deeply rooted in community development. From free healthcare services and maternal care programs to education support and economic empowerment, the company’s social investments touch thousands across rural Nigeria. “We develop these programs in close partnership with local leaders. It’s about relevance, respect, and lasting value,” he explained.
Environmentally, Seplat is also advancing biodiversity and conservation efforts in the Niger Delta. “We are committed to reducing our impact, even exploring renewable energy to power our own operations,” said Brown. “Gas is our base, but our sights are firmly set on a diversified energy future.”
Brown concluded with a strong message for investors and stakeholders. “Nigeria is open for business—and Seplat is living proof of what’s possible with vision, strategy, and integrity. We’re not just aligning with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas—we’re leading it.”
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