NBRDA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH NNPC, RAHAD ON BIOTECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

As part of efforts to utilise biotechnology tools in enhancing economic rejuvenation and environmental stability in Nigeria, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Rahad Global Investment Ltd and NNPC Energy Services Ltd have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Thursday, 13th April, 2023 in Abuja, the Director General/CEO NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said the agreement focuses on the utilisation of Biotechnology tools in oil tank farm cleaning, crude oil, paraffin recovery and remediation of oil contaminated soils.

“Through biotechnology application, the soil will be rejuvenated where exploration has taken place and paraffin would be recovered, instead of destroying the environment where chemical was used”, he said.

The DG added that the partnership will no doubt solve perennial problems in Nigeria’s upstream and downstream petroleum industry as well as enhance national economic growth.

While assuring the partners of NBRDA’s commitment to the project, Mustapha urged all parties involved to bring their best to the realisation of the objectives of the collaboration.

In her remarks, the Managing Director, NNPC Energy Services Limited, Ms. Sophia Mbakwe said the tripartite agreement is designed to achieve the domestication, deployment and commercialisation of biotechnology tools in oil tank farm cleaning, Crude Oil and Paraffin recovery and remediation of Oil Contaminated Soils, among other key objectives.

She affirmed NNPC Energy Services Limited’s commitment to the tripartite agreement.

“As a strategic partner, NNPC Energy Services is committed to this collaboration which will provide comparative commercial advantages and minimize our environmental footprint as a positive climate action”, she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rahad Global Investment Ltd, Dr. Chbihi Driss,

in his remarks expressed delight over NABDA’s excellent capacity and mandate on biotechnology, which gave their solutions a real chance.

Driss said this project would enable Nigeria to be the first country to reduce by nearly 90 per cent, the oil discharges which pollute soil and ground water.

“Through the gradual domestication of this technology as stated in the agreement, jobs will be created and significant revenue generated in Nigeria

through bioremediation, which is an integral part of the solution in this project”, Driss added.

The ceremony had in attendance management staff of NABDA, Rahad Global Investment Ltd and NNPC Energy Services Limited.