L-R: Mr. Clement Isong, MEMAN Executive Secretary, Mr. Moshood Olajide, MD Ardova Plc, Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, MD/CEO 11 Plc, Dr. Samba Seye, MD/CEO TotalEnergies downstream, Mr. Marco Storari, MD/CEO MRS and Mr. Huub Stokman MD/CEO NNPC Retail Limited and Chairman of MEMAN at the unveiling and launching of MEMAN in Lagos,
…Rebranding shows Association’s commitment to an evolving landscape of the energy industry for a sustainable and diversified future.
-Felix Douglas
The Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) comprising six main oil downstream giants in Nigeria has transited to Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria. Thus, changing its ‘O’ which stands for Oil to ‘E’ that represents Energies.
This remarkable change which was orchestrated by an event took place on 31st January, 2024 to mark a momentous occasion for MEMAN as its unveil its rebranded identity and launch MEMAN’s commitment to sustainability through the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Industry Sustainability Initiative (NISI).
This initiative, meticulously designed to align with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, serves as the foundation of MEMAN’s dedication to continue reducing emissions, ensuring affordable and clean energy, and promoting safety and responsible economic growth.
MEMAN’s commitment to sustainability also extends to reflecting its dedication to Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental protection (HSSE), equitable recompense of every stakeholder involved in the business, and continuous innovation for improvements.
The Association’s HSSE pillar is built on a responsible, comprehensive, and integrated approach, emphasizing employee well-being, safety protocols, asset security, and environmental protection. By proactively adhering to these principles, MEMAN contribute to a positive corporate reputation, stakeholder trust, and the overall resilience of our organization.
Equitable recompense for all stakeholders is another core pillar of MEMAN’s advocacy, addressing customers, employees, investors, service providers/suppliers, local communities, and governments. Fair compensation fosters stable relationships with stakeholders, promotes industry growth, and trust of the industry which supports long-term sustainability. Expanding our energy offerings to give our customers more affordable and environmentally friendlier options is an act of responsibility.
MEMAN’s third pillar focuses on innovation for continuous improvements, leveraging advanced technologies, adopting best practices, fostering a culture of innovation, improving operational efficiency, enhancing product quality, reducing costs, minimizing product losses, and the adoption and commercialization of alternative energy sources.
The Association takes pride in housing the Renewables and Gas Competency Centre, a hub for gas, biofuels, and renewable energy information open to the industry, the press, the academia, and the public. This center supports the government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative and drives the United Nations sustainability agenda.
In addition to these groundbreaking initiatives, MEMAN is excited to announce a collaborative partnership with the Energy Institute (EI) to foster a sustainable downstream energy industry in Nigeria. The EI, a chartered professional membership body, dedicated to creating a better energy future, was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Institute of Petroleum and the Institute of Energy, and is comprised of a diverse network of professionals working across the energy sector.
MEMAN remains fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and regulatory compliance throughout this transition. Its members are dedicated to upholding the principles of transparency, safety, energy affordability, and environmental responsibility as this will navigate transformative period.
Speaking further at the unveiling ceremony, Chairman of MEMAN, Mr. Huub Stokman, disclosed that the Association is embarking on a proactive commitment to sustainability following the launch by NMDPRA of industry sustainability initiative during COP 28. “This transformation will include changing its name to MEMAN and the establishment of an industry competitive center, which will concentrate on gas and other renewable energies such as biofuels and solar.”
The competitive center will be an avenue for all players in the downstream gas and renewable energy space to converge research and share information in the downstream industry. “We are also delighted that the Energy Institute will become a major partner in this competitive centre.”
The decision to rebrand stems from the Association’s commitment to an evolving landscape of the energy industry emphasizing identification on a sustainable and diversified energy future. “As a responsible stakeholder in the energy sector, MEMAN recognises the growing importance of alternative energies and our role in shaping the future of the industry.”
He said MEMAN has identified three pillars that are crucial to the success of its sustainability efforts. One is Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) adding value to its customers and stakeholders, and innovation. There’s also going to be a focus on affordability and responsibility. “We will encourage our players in the industry to optimize and reduce costs along the value chain through logistic sharing or adoption of alternative energies for the distribution to expand the energy options available to our customers so that they can also change the energy mix and encourage our customers to be energy independence and hopefully also reduce their energy costs.”
Stockman pointed out that the rebranding of MOMAN to MEMAN underscores a dedication to adopting alternative energies while still recognizing that oil and gas will remain a key part of the energy mix in Nigeria in the future. “But we believe that realigning our objectives with the goals set forth by NMDPRA, we can collectively contribute to the advancement of a sustainable and resilient energy downstream sector in Nigeria.”
According to the MEMAN boss, the rebranding significantly shows assertive changes in the Association’s strategic shift towards embrace promoting a more extensive array of energy sources, not limited to renewable and alternative energies. This transformation effectively reflects in the association’s vision for the future and underscores its commitment to sustainability and resilience to the downstream energy sector in Nigeria.
In his response, Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, who represented Engr. Ahmed Farouk, NMDRA Chief Executive, pointed out clearly that on the aspect of zero emission, MEMAN as an umbrella organisation is taking a lead which also indicates the endorsement of individual members.
He referred to the commemoration as a significant transition history for MEMAN. “The transition from Oil and Gas Association to an Energy Association depicted that the constituents of the association are conscious of energy transition, and environmental sustainability.”
Farouk added that the energy sector in Nigeria faces a common challenge evolving from business as usual, or trailing behind in transition to zero carbon emissions. This is amidst energy poverty or insufficient infrastructures, growing energy demand and industrialisation, a vibrant young population who need energy sources including the gas industry for decades.
Despite that MEMAN has been a leader in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and propelled its economy, it has seen a Nigeria that is changing. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality.
The Authority Chief Executive said the need for clean sustainable energy has never been more urgent, but MEMAN is not just adopting this challenge, it is embracing it. The Association is not just responding to the regulator’s call for sustainability, it is leading it. “They are transitioning their members for a commitment for the good of all.”
The Nigeria midstream and downstream industry has greatly evolved with time in tandem with changes from political, societal and economic event helping to reshape the industry landscape. NMDRA mission is to promote economic social development through sustainable energy and from the agency’s perspective as a regulator of the sector; this transition from MOMAN to MEMAN is not just about changing the name alone, but changing the mindset of operations.
Going forward, he said the impact of operations in Nigeria is to reduce carbon footprints and also promoting energy efficiency. It is also ensuring that businesses not only power Nigeria today, but preserve the country for tomorrow which is sustainability. This entails setting clear and measurable goals related to renewable and other sources of energy production, limiting carbon emission and energy efficiency that should regularly be tracked reported on these metrics to ensure transparency and accountability.
This transition will have several impacts. The fact that NMDPRA industry sustainability initiative was presented at COP 28 towards the end of 2023, it received a lot of feedback.
MEMAN as an important stakeholder has been part of drafting the initial industrial sustainability initiative document.
He commended MEMAN for its hard work and keying into areas of the initiative.
Farouk appealed to the Association, “We hope this change will not hinder your commitment to adhering to all relevant regulations and standards, from our side as a regulator, our commitment is steadfast and we promise to continue to work closely with you to ensure operators are compliant and contribute positively to our environment.”
“We understand the importance of regulatory compliance in our industry and we implore that you continue your dedication to upholding the highest standards as for our other stakeholders planning a similar corporate shift, you will witness changes too, while there might be short term costs associated with this transition, many investors may view the shift towards sustainability as a positive move for future proof against regulatory changes with a market shift.”
Sourcing for foreign investment fund in the energy sector requires compliance with ESG.
Farouk commended MEMAN members for their support and dedication while admonishing them to make sustainable progress for the future. “Together, let us embrace this transition, champion sustainability and create a better future for all Nigerians.
Chairman, Energy Institute, Osteen Olorunshola, said: “The EI and MEMAN envision a future where innovation, inclusivity and sustainability are central to our energy landscape. We will work hand in hand to create a platform for the exchange of ideas. The advancement of knowledge and the cultivation of a workforce attuned to the broader challenges and opportunities within the energy industry.”
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