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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Condemns Dawes Island Ruling as Judicial Overreach Threatening Nigeria’s Marginal Field Reform

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African Energy Chamber

The Federal High Court ruling reversing the revocation of the Dawes Island license risks undermining Nigeria’s “drill or drop” policy, impacting investor confidence and the sanctity of petroleum contracts

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 11, 2026/APO Group/ –A Federal High Court in Nigeria has delivered a judgement against the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in favor of Eurafric Energy Limited, reversing the 2020 revocation of the Dawes Island marginal field license, which post revocation has been held and developed by Petralon 54 Limited since 2022.  The ruling effectively challenges the regulator’s 2020 decision not to renew Eurafric’s license that had expired without commercial production after 17 years. An appeal has since been initiated by Petralon 54 Limited, with a stay of execution pending determination by higher courts. For Nigeria’s upstream sector – which is already navigating production recovery and reform implementation under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) – the implications extend far beyond a single asset.

 

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly condemns the ruling carried down against the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Petralon, recognizing it as not only an affront to Nigerian companies that are trying to develop marginal fields but also as a clear example of judicial overreach. The Chamber stands firmly with the Ministry and Petralon, calling for the issue to be resolved to pave the way for Petralon to continue increasing production, monetizing the asset and supporting Nigeria’s long-term industry goals.

An Example of Judicial Overreach

The AEC is deeply concerned by the legal reasoning underpinning the judgment. A central issue is the apparent application of provisions of the PIA – enacted on August 16, 2021 – to events that occurred prior to its passage. The Dawes Island license expired in April 2019, and the regulator formally declined renewal in April 2020 – both actions taken under the legal regime in force at the time. Applying the PIA retrospectively risks undermining the principle of legal certainty that underpins long-term upstream investment. Investors commit capital on the basis of clear statutory frameworks, fiscal terms and regulatory authority.

The ruling also raises operational concerns, particularly in its treatment of approximately 62,000 barrels produced during a well test as evidence of commercial production. In established upstream practice, well testing is a technical evaluation of reservoir performance – not the commencement of sustained commercial production, which requires regulatory confirmation through a technical allowable. Additionally, reliance on an unsigned farm-out agreement to establish enforceable legal interest departs from established contract law principles, under which unsigned documents do not create binding obligations. Taken together, the ruling risks setting a precedent where lower courts intervene in technically complex petroleum matters in a manner inconsistent with regulatory practice and fiscal governance.

If Nigerian independents are placed in a precarious position by inconsistent judicial decisions, it will deter both local and international investment

Petralon’s Commitment to Marginal Production

Following the designation of the asset under Petroleum Prospecting License 259 (PPL 259), Petralon moved swiftly to execute its obligations. The licence terms compel a one-well commitment, yet and the company deployed approximately $60 million to drill two new wells and put in place support facilities to commence production within a 12-month period. More than 150,000 barrels have been produced and evacuated to the Bonny Terminal, Nigeria’s largest export terminal, and royalty payments have already commenced being remitted to the state.

The commencement of the second well was witnessed by Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) in November 2025, signaling alignment between operator and government. The company has since committed to doubling production at the asset, reaffirming its dedication to Nigeria’s oil growth. These results stand in stark contrast to the field’s previous history of non-production. Petralon’s activities demonstrate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s “drill or drop” policy and the broader Project One Million Barrels initiative – reforms designed to ensure that marginal fields contribute meaningfully to national output. At a time when Nigeria is actively courting new upstream capital, visible execution, compliance and royalty generation should be reinforced – not destabilized.

“Petralon is a Nigerian independent that has followed every rule, complied with every regulation and worked hand-in-hand with government to increase production. They drilled. They invested. They paid royalties. They delivered results. To come at this time and derail that progress is unjust and sends the wrong signal to the market,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

A History of Development

Petralon is not a speculative entrant into Nigeria’s upstream sector. Incorporated in 2014, the company has steadily built a diversified portfolio of operated and non-operated assets. Between 2021 and 2022, Petralon raised $60 million in capital, strengthening its balance sheet and positioning itself for upstream growth. Today, the company holds one operated field and two non-operated deepwater assets.

Through its indirect 6.06% shareholding in Prime Oil & Gas, Petralon has exposure to OML 127 and OML 130. OML 127 contains the Agbami field, while OML 130 includes the Akpo, Egina and Preowei fields – some of Nigeria’s most significant deepwater producing assets. This production base underscores that Petralon is not merely a marginal field operator but a credible Nigerian upstream participant with deepwater exposure, capital discipline and operational alignment with regulatory frameworks.

“This is not just about one field. It is about supporting Nigerian companies that are investing in Nigeria, creating jobs, increasing production and strengthening our energy security. If Nigerian independents are placed in a precarious position by inconsistent judicial decisions, it will deter both local and international investment,” Ayuk added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Century Group Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Partner, Showcasing Regional Offshore Expansion

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African Energy Chamber

The Nigerian FPSO operator will highlight its fleet capabilities, regional expansion plans and investment partnerships at African Energy Week 2026

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –Century Group has been confirmed as an Energy Infrastructure and FPSO Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, reflecting its growing footprint as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous offshore operators. The company’s participation underscores its expanding operational capacity, fleet strength and role in driving local content and infrastructure solutions across Africa.
 




 

Century Group’s operational strategy is evolving beyond traditional service provision toward asset ownership, infrastructure management and regional expansion. In October 2025, the company confirmed it is in ongoing discussions with South African partners about potential oil and gas infrastructure projects, highlighting its interest in deploying FPSO and midstream solutions into new regional markets.

This partnership highlights how African-led solutions are increasingly shaping the continent’s energy landscape

At AEW 2026, Century Group will showcase how indigenous operators can support offshore production stability, build local capacity and forge strategic investment partnerships. Its asset portfolio and regional collaborations reflect Nigeria’s evolving offshore landscape, where local operators are increasingly ensuring production continuity, reducing bottlenecks and connecting domestic output to export markets – capabilities central to discussions at AEW’s upstream and infrastructure sessions.

“At AEW 2026, Century Group will showcase not only its fleet capabilities but also its strategic vision for offshore infrastructure development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “This partnership highlights how African-led solutions are increasingly shaping the continent’s energy landscape and how indigenous operators can bridge technical execution with regional growth opportunities.”

The company’s broader engagement in continental energy dialogues further underscores its strategic outlook. Century Group executives have advocated for deeper Africa‑Gulf partnerships, identifying Africa’s youthful demographics and growing energy demand as opportunities for joint investment and capability development in global energy markets.

These developments align with a wider shift in Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, where local capacity and policy reforms are boosting indigenous participation, enhancing competitiveness and unlocking private capital. Century Group’s trajectory – from managing FPSO/FSO infrastructure to cross-border expansion and strategic partnerships – reinforces its value as an FPSO partner for AEW and as a leader in Africa’s offshore energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 




 

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ES-KO Secures Five-Year Catering & Facilities Management Contract Renewal with TotalEnergies EP Congo

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The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo

POINTE-NOIRE, Congo (Republic of the), April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –In mid-March, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) marked an important milestone in Congo with the renewal of its catering and housekeeping contract with TotalEnergies EP Congo for an additional five years. Awarded following a full tendering process, the renewal affirms ES-KO’s competitiveness, reliability, and operational excellence.
 




 
Download Brochure: https://apo-opa.co/4spz8K0

During the on-site visit, Beatrice Falsetti, ES-KO Operations Manager, and Olivier Guigon, ES-KO Congo General Manager, met with TotalEnergies EP Congo representatives to officially launch this new phase of collaboration. Discussions focused on future priorities, including continuous operational improvement, service quality, and initiatives to further strengthen coordination across sites.

The visit also included a trip offshore to Likouf, one of TotalEnergies EP Congo’s key production sites. Located 75 km off the coast of the Republic of Congo, Likouf is a massive floating production unit (FPU), roughly the size of two football fields and weighing around 80,000 tonnes. Operating 24/7, it is a fully self-contained industrial and living environment.

Likouf is also notable for being the first fully electric FPU, designed to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Its “all-electric” system provides the power required for operations while minimizing gas combustion, supporting more sustainable offshore production.

Operating in such a remote and high-tech environment presents unique logistical and operational challenges—from complex supply chain coordination to maintaining consistent service standards at sea. Personnel typically live on the platform for rotations of up to one month, making daily life onboard highly structured and repetitive. In this context, ES-KO’s catering and facilities management services play a key role in supporting well-being and morale, bringing comfort, variety, and moments of relief that help break the routine.

Back onshore, ES-KO management gathered at the office to share the news with in-house teams and personally congratulate them on their efforts and contribution to this achievement. The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo.

Earlier in February, ES-KO was awarded an HSSE Trophy by TotalEnergies EP Congo in recognition of its strong 2025 performance in health, safety, security, and environmental practices.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ES-KO.

 




 

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Ascott expands in Nairobi with new Citadines signing, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional hub

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Ascott

The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 11, 2026/APO Group/ –The Ascott Limited (www.DiscoverASR.com), the wholly owned lodging business unit of Capital and Investment (CLI), has announced the signing of Citadines Westview Nairobi, a 160-key hotel located in the capital’s established Kilimani district. The new property will complement the existing 162-key Somerset Westview Nairobi serviced apartments, forming a strategic dual-brand offering that enhances Ascott’s ability to serve both short- and extended-stay demand across a broader range of traveller segments. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, Citadines Westview Nairobi is designed to cater to a growing mix of both corporate and leisure travellers as well as the meeting and conferences demand.

 




  

 

Reinforcing Nairobi’s Role as a Regional Business Hub
Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a key regional business and investment hub, supported by growing corporate activity, infrastructure development and increasing international connectivity. This is driving sustained demand for high-quality, flexible accommodation that caters to both short-term and extended stays. The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline.

Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand

Part of Ascott’s Broader Africa Growth Strategy
The Nairobi signing forms part of Ascott’s broader expansion across Africa, where the company has secured 10 signings over the past year. Once fully operational, these will expand its portfolio from two properties today to 23 properties with over 2,800 units across 10 cities in eight countries by 2028. In addition to Kenya, Ascott is growing its presence in key markets including Morocco, Nigeria and Ethiopia, where two properties are slated to open in Addis Ababa’s Bole district, further strengthening its footprint in East Africa.

Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, The Ascott Limited, said:
“Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand. This signing reinforces our commitment to the Kenyan market and reflects our focus on expanding in cities where we see sustained demand from both business and leisure travellers. We are honoured to further strengthen our partnership with Britam on this development, bringing together strong institutional investment and Ascott’s global operating expertise. By introducing Citadines alongside Somerset, we are able to offer a broader range of accommodation options that cater to different guest segments, while maintaining the quality and flexibility that define our brands.”

Ambrose Dabani – CEO & Principal Officer Britam Holdings PLC, said: “This investment reflects our long-term confidence in Nairobi as a key economic and commercial hub in the region. We are focused on high-quality, resilient assets that deliver sustainable value over time. Partnering with Ascott allows us to combine strong real estate fundamentals with an experienced global operator, ensuring the development is well positioned to meet evolving demand for professionally managed accommodation in the market.”

Designed for Modern Urban Living
Citadines Westview Nairobi will offer a mix of well-balanced hotel rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments, supported by a comprehensive range of amenities including food and beverage outlets, meeting and conferencing facilities, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped gymnasium. The F&B offering will complement the Somerset Westview Nairobi’s Jabu rooftop bar and La Mascotte restaurant, contributing to a more vibrant and integrated lifestyle destination within the development. Strategically located  adjacent to Somerset Westview Nairobi in the prime Kilimani district, the property offers seamless access to Nairobi’s key business hubs and lifestyle destinations, providing guests with the flexibility and convenience for a comfortable stay, whether travelling for business or leisure, on short or extended stays.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Ascott Limited.

 

 




 

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