OVH Energy Marketing (OVH), owner and operator of the Oando branded retail service stations, has been acquired by NNPC limited, and will be merged with NNPC Retail Limited (NRL). This strategic move aims to create the leading downstream energy  company in Nigeria and West Africa, driven by operational efficiency, best in class management, physical infrastructure while offering premium petroleum products and related services to customers, in line with global standards.

Through this acquisition, NNPC Retail Limited will build on the existing success of OVH and operate model service outlets leveraging OVH’s extensive asset base and commercial capabilities. The transaction also positions NNPC Retail Limited as the fastest growing commercial energy company in its pursuit to guarantee energy security for Nigeria’s growing population and significantly more growth opportunities for the business.

“Our acquisition of OVH, brings more NNPC branded fuel stations under the NNPC Retail Limited umbrella, providing wider access for our customers, an enriched supply chain and product availability across our different locations”, said Mele Kolo Kyari,GCEO NNPC Ltd. “Our goal as NNPC Limited is to become a catalyst for massive improvement within the downstream oil and gas industry therefore, access to the extensive asset base of OVH is our audacious step towards attaining this goal.  We are positive that this is the much-needed transformation required by the sector as it provides us with an integrated platform to attract the right investments which enables the growth of our operations”.

“This acquisition by NNPC comes at a critical time in the Nigerian energy sector given the overhaul of the petroleum laws (with the recent enactment of the PIA), the continuing increased demand for petroleum products and particularly the deliberate efforts to increase and improve the supply and consumption of natural gas in support of our energy transition goals” says Huub Stokman, CEO OVH. “We have always focused on a value driven approach, prioritizing the quality of products and services offered to our customers, at both retail and commercial levels. This acquisition enables the combined strengths of both entities, to innovate our offerings and infrastructure, necessary to transform the downstream energy sector in Nigeria and West Africa. It is an exciting time for us all, as we continue to focus on technological enhancement, our customers, staff, and other stakeholders” he added.

OVH Energy Oando branded retail service stations will be rebranded into the NNPC brand and a full integration is expected by the end of 2023. The leadership of the merged entity share a common purpose and is focused on value creation with the strengths of OVH’s operational efficiency and NNPC’s brand.

Leading supplier and distributor of refined petroleum products, OVH Energy Marketing recently rewarded its top-performing lubricant distributors for their outstanding performance at a presentation ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria.

During the presentation ceremony which happened at Aspamda Market, two qualified distributors who each sold over 1 million liters of lubricants were recognized in line with the management’s commitment to award deserving distributors. The duo, Chucorl Nigeria Limited, and Ade De Young Auto Limited who met and exceeded the set target in the distribution of OLEUM lubricants were awarded OLEUM branded trucks at the ceremony.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy Marketing, Huub Stokman posited that the ceremony was organized to reward top-performing distributors as well as inspire others through their exemplary feats. “Our distinctive progress as the leading downstream oil and gas company is built on the commendable dedication and support of our partners as well as the contributions of our staff. I applaud the awardees and other OLEUM distributors for their diligence and resourcefulness in making sure that the OLEUM range of lubricants remains a market leader.” he said.

“Oleum is a product made in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for Nigerians. Our dream is to formulate the best lubricant available in the Nigerian market at a very affordable price. The hard work of our partners continues to contribute immensely to the growth of the organization and for that we are thankful” he continued.

Commenting at the presentation ceremony, Alhaji Lateef Adeleke, owner Ade De Young Auto Ltd., an awardee said “I appreciate the company for this initiative to reward distributors with branded trucks. Rewarding deserving distributors with the branded trucks is a thoughtful initiative from OVH Energy Marketing.”

Chief Oliver Jacob, CEO Chucorl Oil and Gas Limited said “This acknowledgement from OVH Energy Marketing is indeed an incentive to do even more. The trucks will be valuable in strengthening our supply chain and meeting our increasing consumer demand”

The maiden edition of the Nigerian Content Midstream - Downstream Oil and Gas Stakeholders Summit, with the theme, “Maximizing Potentials in the Midstream and Downstream Oil and Gas Sector – A Local Content Perspective” kicked off on May 23rd, 2022. 

The event organized by The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) engaged stakeholders within the industry in top-level dialogue articulating the agenda for actualizing the full local content potential. Speakers and Panelists also discussed prospects for driving massive investments in the Midstream and Downstream sectors of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. 

The second day of the hybrid summit featured a panel discussion with Mr. Huub Stokman, Chief Executive Officer of OVH Energy Marketing Limited (Oando licensee), discussing “opportunity areas and challenges of investment in the petroleum product marketing and bunkering sector.”

Mr. Stokman stated that pipelines, depots, trucks and retail sites are priority areas for investment within the industry. The trucks and depots are critical to last-mile delivery and should be upgraded with safety features reflective of modern best practices. He said, “investors measure performance through returns. To effectively invest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil and gas sector, players need to increase operational efficiencies and reduce losses. With the proposed deregulation of the industry backed by the Petroleum Industry Act, soon Nigeria will have a functioning refinery landscape which will create value for Nigeria. However, stakeholders must properly capture this value through safe and sustainable operations down the value chain, otherwise it will go to waste.”

“The retail forecourt offerings in the industry are not on par with those of other countries on the continent. Once deregulation happens the price of PMS will probably increase.  When this happens, the consumer will naturally request more value for money. When we pay more, we typically want more. To satisfy the consumers demand, industry players must guarantee the quality, quantity, and excellent customer service in a safe and secure environment.” He continued. He further highlighted key challenges facing the manufacturing industry that supports the Oil & gas industry, including reliance on import of critical raw materials, inflation and currency devaluation, as well as industry skills shortage arising from skilled Nigerians moving overseas. He reiterated that investment done by the Oil & gas industry in upskilling existing manpower will contribute to build in-country people skills availability. 

The summit’s agenda of sensitizing and enlightening stakeholders about NCDMB’s capacity intervention programmes in support of Nigerian Content Development in the Mid and Downstream sectors is commendable.

About OVH Energy 

OVH Energy is a leading indigenous marketer of choice and provider of trusted petroleum products and services in Nigeria. The organization's expertise spans the distribution of refined petroleum products for retail, commercial and industrial purposes. Its strong unrivaled heritage, drive to impact lives positively and the influence of the shareholders – Helios Investments, an Africa-focused Nigerian firm; Vitol Group, a leading global supplier of petroleum products and the strong Oando retail brand – contributes to the brand’s growing business success. Through its Oando retail brand, OVH Energy has enriched Nigeria’s downstream sector and established an unparalleled supply footprint, distributing over 1 billion liters of refined petroleum products annually. 

In commemoration of the 2022 World Malaria Day, OVH Energy Marketing, the leading indigenous marketer of choice, has partnered with the African Clean-up initiative, a non-profit advocacy organisation, for another edition of the Roll Back Malaria campaign. The campaign marked under the theme "Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives" empowered local communities within Lagos and Rivers state. 

The Roll Back Malaria campaign is a partnership program conceived and implemented out of the need to educate people on Malaria preventive measures. The initiative seeks to identify and eradicate the associated effects of Malaria through education, empowerment, and treatment. Beneficiaries were enlightened on preventive measures and practical steps to prevent malaria outbreaks. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets were also distributed to men, women and children from the host communities.

World Malaria Day is marked annually to focus global attention on Malaria, and its impact on families, communities, and societal development, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the 2021 World Malaria Report by the World Health organisation, the African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2020, Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths, with children under 5 accounting for about 80% of all malaria deaths. 

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of OVH Energy Marketing, Huub Stokman reiterated the company's commitment to malaria prevention and control to build a healthy and conducive environment for members of its host communities. He mentioned that Malaria remains a significant public health and development challenge that requires collective human efforts and technological innovation to manage.

"The WHO has warned that malaria deaths will probably dwarf direct deaths from COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria also poses a socio-economic challenge; sadly, it remains a burden costing the continent an estimated $12 billion yearly. Therefore, the fight against Malaria is a critical issue requiring strong private sector engagement. At OVH Energy, we are deeply committed to eradicating this disease amongst Nigerians while improving our host communities' social and economic development in alignment with United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal three, which is good health and well-being." He said.

Also commenting on the initiative, Alexander Akhigbe, founder of the African Cleanup Initiative (ACI) said, "Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that continues to affect the health and livelihood of people worldwide. Thus, when individuals are properly educated, the spread can be prevented, and with the right treatment, the mortality rate will reduce."

OVH Energy's commitment to enriching its host community is commendable. Through various corporate social responsibility initiatives such as the University Scholarship Scheme, OLEUM Academy, amongst others, the firm continues to impact the lives of those within its host communities.