Afreximbank disburses $925m crude oil-backed loan to NNPC

 Afreximbank has disbursed $925 million to NNPC, part of a syndicated $3.3 billion crude oil-backed prepayment facility, the African trade bank said. This brings the total disbursement to Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to $3.175 billion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said. Afreximbank said the deal was the largest crude-backed facility in Nigeria and one of the largest syndicated debts raised in Africa. This brings the total current funded facility size to US$ 3.175 billion. Arranged and coordinated by Afreximbank, the accordion arrangement saw the raising of a combined total of $925 million from a consortium of crude oil off-taker lenders including but not limited to the Oando Group and Sahara Energy Resource Limited. Afreximbank acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, Technical and Modelling Bank, Bookrunner, Facility Agent, Offshore Account Bank, Inter-creditor Agent and Collateral Agent for the transaction which is expected to provide further support for Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability and long-term economic growth while enhancing the country’s industrialisation and trade development efforts. This disbursement follows the success of the first accordion tranche of the $3.3 billion facility. 

In December 2023, the project received funded commitments totalling $2.25 million. The $925 million accordion arrangement raises the total amount disbursed to $3.175 billion. Commenting on the disbursement, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said “The milestone achieved thus far, on this facility, demonstrates the Bank’s capabilities in performing its role as a crucial development partner for Africa. It reaffirms our commitment to assisting our member states in their efforts to achieve economic growth and stability. This funding will greatly support the attainment of Nigeria’s short and long-term economic development priorities.” Prof. Oramah described the original facility as ‘a landmark’ for being the largest crude oil-backed facility in Nigeria and one of the largest syndicated debts raised in Africa, adding that the closure of the first accordion demonstrated the existence of positive market appetite for well structured commodities-backed instruments.

Mele Kyari, Group CEO, NNPC Limited commended Afreximbank Management and team for their investment philosophy and active interest in co-creation of prosperity. “The successful disbursement of the first accordion under project Gazelle and its interest in funding viable and strategic projects is a clear indication of investors’ confidence in NNPCL and Nigeria’s growth aspirations.” Said Mr. Kyari. He further assured Afreximbank and all investing communities of NNPCL’s resolve to continue to grow the nation’s hydrocarbon resources and strengthen its partnerships across the oil and gas value chain locally, and globally.