Justice O. Derefaka for the 2021 NOG Rising Star of the Year Award.

I am pleased to nominate Engr. Justice O. Derefaka (MNSE, MNES, MNGA, FIMC) for the 2021 NOG Rising Star of the Year Award. I have known and worked with Engr. Derefaka for the past 2 years in a professional capacity and I can attest to his brilliance and tenacity in achieving unparalleled successes and excellence within the oil and gas industry.

His wealth of experience in this field, as well as his leadership acumen within the private sector such as his time at Shell Nigeria Development Company (SNEPCo) has shaped him as a true leader in his current role as Technical Adviser (TA) on Gas Business & Policy Implementation to the Honorable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR); a think tank on National Gas Policy which focuses on driving investment & development within the gas sector.

In many ways, Engr. Derefaka has exceeded the challenging requirements and expectations for this award. Engr. Derefaka has provided industry leading oil and gas policy initiatives and along with his vast accomplishments to date, I believe he is best placed to be recognised and rewarded within this award category. 

His most notable achievements are:

• Chairman in charge of the Autogas subcommittee in the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP). The FG’s flagship Programme was conceived and designed to serve as a catalyst for adding value to the vast natural gas reserves of Nigeria. As Chairman, he has championed the Autogas cause as a cheaper, cleaner, and immediately available fuel alternative for a greener and more eco-friendly Nigeria. The affordability context of the Autogas initiative is very apt and timely, as it comes sequel to the deregulation of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), with a resultant increase in price. 
• Being the pioneer Programme Manager (PM) of the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialization Programme (NGFCP), he designed the strategy to implement the policy objectives of the FGN for the elimination of gas flares, with potentially enormous multiplier and development outcomes for Nigeria. A Programme which has the potential to generate approximately $3.5billion USD of inward investment, a GDP impact of plus US$ 1billion per annum, direct labor potential of approximately 26,000 jobs and an environmental footprint reduction of ~13 million tons of CO2 per year on emissions.
• Being instrumental to the laudable achievements recorded during the 2020 Nigerian year of Gas (a precursor to the subsequent declaration of year 2021 – 2030 as the “Nigerian decade of gas” by the Federal Government), through ardent stewardship of the Autogas and Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programs. 
• In terms of personal attributes, Engr. Derefaka is a highly flexible, innovative and visionary individual. He bases his judgement on facts and workable solutions, consistently exceeding expectations and has sustained a very high level of performance over time. Engr. Derefaka is a forward thinker who has a solid grasp of the evolving landscape within the oil and gas sector. He is an advocate for early adoption of digital technologies and cutting-edge solutions within the sector and completes his work with a vision to boost profitability, efficiency and operational excellence. This has been demonstrated via his seminars, webinars and panel discussions with industry stakeholders. 
•  Engr. Derefaka is also a mentor who has, through various avenues such as the Young Engineers Entrepreneurship Club (YEEC), has coached young Nigerian graduates and undergraduates on the future of works especially in regards to the oil and gas sector. Indeed, if considered for this award, Engr. Derefaka will be an inspiration for all future leaders within the oil and gas industry who aspire to meet the requirements and expectations of this award.

For all of these reasons and more I endorse Engr. Justice O. Derefaka, without reservation, for the 2021 NOG Rising Star of the Year Award.