The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the refinancing of the US$3.3 billion Project Gazelle Pre-Export Finance Facility through a new US$4.5 billion facility named “Project Gazelle 2”.
The approval allows NNPC Limited to refinance the outstanding balance of approximately $1.5 billion under the original 2023 facility.
It will also unlock an additional $3 billion in liquidity to strengthen the country’s external reserves, support ongoing fiscal and infrastructure priorities of the government.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice), Stanley Nkwocha said this was the outcome of the 159th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held virtually on Monday.
He said NEC’s approval followed a presentation by the Minster of Finance, Dr Taiwo Oyedele, which was presented by Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscoring the importance of the project.
“NEC observed the significance of unlocking additional liquidity to the federation, among other benefits, pledging its support for the actualisation of the initiative,” Nkwocha said.
According to him, the finance minister explained that the refinancing has been structured on more favourable terms than the original facility, including a reduction in the volume of pledged crude oil from 90,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) to approximately 78,750 bpd – a 12.5 percent reduction.
“He noted that under the new arrangement, an additional 11,250 bpd for the federation will be released, while there will be reduction in the pledged crude volumes by NNPC limited.
“Dr Oyedele added that while accessing additional liquidity on improved terms, the arrangement is freeing up resources for strategic national priorities while strengthening the country’s financing structures,” Nkwocha said.
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