Shell plc (SHEL Quick QuoteSHEL - Free Report) , a British multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London, has announced that its units in Nigeria awarded remarkable $1.98 billion worth of contracts to Nigeria’s companies in 2023. This figure represents a 3% increase compared with 2022, marking a steady commitment by the British oil giant to foster local business development and strengthen its operations in the nation of West Africa.

The key entities behind these significant contract awards were the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. (“SPDC”), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co. Ltd. (“SNEPCo”) and Shell Nigeria Gas. The contracts cover various aspects of Shell’s operations in the country, including oil exploration, production and gas operations. By collaborating with Nigeria-registered companies, Shell continues to support the country’s industrialization, ensuring that the benefits of the oil industry are shared more equitably across the nation.

Empowering Local Companies and Promoting Expertise

Shell’s focus on Nigeria’s businesses is a deliberate effort to enhance local capacity, strengthen financial stability and improve operational expertise. According to Shell’s recent press release, many of the companies benefiting from these contracts have expanded their operations and improved overall business strength. This growth, both in terms of expertise and financial health, has allowed these local firms to take on even more complex and large-scale projects, fueling Nigeria’s progress in the global energy market.

Olaposi Fadahunsi, business opportunity manager for SNEPCo’s Bonga South-West Aparo Project, remarked, “Nigerian content will continue to be an important part of Shell operations.” This statement affirms Shell’s long-term strategy to not only strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector but also contribute to the economic empowerment of local businesses through ongoing partnerships.

SHEL’s Role in Nigeria’s Economic Landscape

The energy giant’s investments extend beyond the awarded contracts. Shell remains a key player in Nigeria’s economy, as evidenced by the $4.9 billion paid to the government of Nigeria in 2023 alone. This figure is part of a larger $67 billion payment across 26 countries in which Shell operates. The bulk of these payments, $727.9 million in royalties, indicates Shell’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s public finances.

Additionally, Shell made an impressive commitment to Nigeria’s economic future by pledging a $6 billion investment in the country. This investment will largely go toward expanding the Bonga oil field project, an ambitious initiative, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s oil production capacity and supporting Shell’s position in the energy sector of West Africa. The pledge was confirmed during a meeting between Shell’s representatives and president Bola Tinubu in December 2023, highlighting Shell’s ongoing commitment to the country’s development.

Navigating Change: Shell’s Exit From Nigeria’s Onshore Operations

While Shell continues to deepen its relationships with local businesses, the company is also strategically turning its operations in Nigeria. In January 2024, Shell announced an agreement to divest from its onshore operations in the country. The divestment, which involves Shell’s SPDC unit, will transfer its operations to a local consortium led by Renaissance Africa Energy Co. Ltd. However, regulatory hurdles have prevented the completion of this transaction with Shell still awaiting clearance from Nigeria’s authorities.

This decision aligns with Shell’s broader strategy to move away from onshore oil production, which has been increasingly plagued by oil theft and sabotage. Despite the challenges, Shell’s offshore projects, such as the Bonga field, continue to thrive, offering a more stable and profitable avenue for growth.

Future of Shell in Nigeria: Continued Investment in Offshore Projects

Despite the exit from onshore operations, Shell remains fully invested in Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas industry. The company is committed to expanding the Bonga field. This move is expected to boost Nigeria’s production capabilities and provide significant economic benefits to the country. Shell’s ongoing projects in Nigeria’s offshore fields demonstrate its focus on sustainable energy extraction and the long-term growth of the country’s oil sector.

In addition to Shell, France-based integrated oil and gas company, TotalEnergies SE (TTE Quick QuoteTTE - Free Report) has also taken steps to divest its stake in the SPDC Joint Venture (“JV”), selling 10% stake. While Shell owns a 30% share of the SPDC JV, Nigerian National Petroleum Co. Ltd. remains the major stakeholder with a 55% interest. Shell’s future in Nigeria, particularly in offshore ventures, will continue to be an important factor in the country’s energy landscape, with local businesses and the economy of Nigeria benefiting from these operations.

Overall, Shell’s investments in Nigeria show its ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy. By awarding $1.98 billion in contracts to Nigeria’s companies in 2023, Shell has been helping strengthen local businesses and ensure the sustainability of the country’s energy sector. Even though Shell has faced challenges with its onshore operations, the company remains focused on offshore projects and long-term investments, which will continue to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s energy future.

SHEL’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Currently, SHEL and TTE both have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like Petrofac Limited (POFCY Quick QuotePOFCY - Free Report) and Ovintiv Inc. (OVV Quick QuoteOVV - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Petrofac is valued at $63.17 million. This oil and gas equipment and services company operates across four segments including Onshore Engineering & Construction, Offshore Projects & Operations, Engineering & Consulting Services and Integrated Energy Services.