Heralding the new Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) 2022-2024 Executive Council
Following the successful conduct of elections into the NGA 2022-2024 Executive Council which were held on the 15th of December 2022, the new council members were formally inaugurated at the NGA Dinner & Awards night on the 19th of April 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria. The incoming council members are:
President: Mr. Akachukwu NWOKEDI, General Counsel/Company Secretary, Nigeria LNG Ltd1st
Vice President: Mrs. Yetunde TAIWO, GM, Integrated Gas Development, First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Ltd.
2nd Vice President: Mr. Olufisayo DUDUYEMI, Chief Strategy Officer, Axxela Ltd.
Secretary General: Dr. Excel UKPOHOR, Train 7 Project Non-Technical Interface Lead, Nigeria LNG Ltd.
Deputy Secretary General: Mr. Oladeji OLAOTI, Manager, New Business, Falcon Corporation Ltd.
Financial Secretary: Engr. Chukwuemeka IHEME, Lifting Coordinator OML 42, Amaranta Oil & Gas Development Company
Publicity Secretary: Mr. Ikenna IKONTA, Head, Integrity and Optimization for Common Facilities, Nigeria LNG Ltd
Legal Adviser: Ms. Clare OHIRO, Associate, Templars
Ex-Officio Members
Mr Ed Ubong [Past President] Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas Ltd
Engr Chichi Emenike [Past Secretary] General Head, Gas Ventures, Neconde Energy Ltd.
The evening was one of pomp and pageantry, which was well attended by leading CEOs of IOCs in Nigeria as well as key distinguished government officials.In his acceptance speech as the new President of the NGA, Mr Aka Nwokedi began by reminiscing on his NGA journey. From his involvement in the initial registration of the NGA in 1999 as its first Legal Advisor, to holding varying roles over the last 20+ years, culminating in his current role as the President of the NGA.
He noted that this is an exciting time to be a member of the NGA, due to global socio-political issues, gas supply challenges, the energy crisis and global the drive for a net zero future that is not only on the front burner in Nigeria but globally.
He also noted that the Decade of Gas agenda was timely in Nigeria’s nation building efforts, for which the NGA will play a key role in helping to unlock the potential the industry has to offer.He emphasized that the strength of the NGA was in its vast membership base which had been built up with the help of past presidents, notably Ed Ubong and Audrey Joe-Ezigbo.
Looking forward, he stated that the new council is committed to strengthening its advocacy role, helping to shape industry policies, building stronger ties with the IGU and regional gas associations to promote collaboration, building up industry knowledge and capacity through our various programmes as well as ensure the efficient delivery of the Decade of Gas agenda. The NGA will collaborate, he said, to drive diversity, equality, and inclusiveness particularly the increased participation of women in the technical areas of our industry.
This will be done via a new study group on this, which will be led by Engr. Chichi Emenike.He rounded off his remarks by thanking the past president for his exemplary leadership and exhorted the members on the need to work together to resolve all key issues to deliver an enabling business, fiscal and regulatory environment.
Lastly, he thanked NGA’s sponsors for their unflinching support, the outgoing council for all their efforts and the commended everyone to support the NGA to achieve its advocacy goals for the good of the country.
