As Part of Strategic Consolidation, NDEP Rebrands to Aradel Holdings

Peter Uzoho

Nigeria’s first indigenous marginal field and modular refinery operator, Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc (NDEP) has rebranded into Aradel Holdings Plc as part of the company’s strategic consolidation to drive sustainability and transformation in the oil and gas sector.

Aradel, a fully integrated energy company with interests in multiple oil and gas assets in Nigeria, said the essence of the new corporate identity was to better reflect its long-term strategy of becoming Africa’s leading organization in the delivery of sustainable energy solutions that support economic growth. 

At the public unveiling of the new brand identity held in Lagos, the company explained that the new brand identity was to reflect the values and contributions of the founders of the indigenous energy firm while also remembering the Niger Delta where they started from.

As Nigeria’s foremost fully integrated independent energy company, Aradel has been a significant player in the industry for decades and takes a long-term view of energy provision and the global energy transition. 

The company steadily seeks opportunities to introduce technology that harnesses the abundant energy sources in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa into an affordable and sustainable energy bouquet that promotes universal energy access.

Aradel further explained that the rebranding was a strategic move that supports its vision aimed at consolidating its position as the leading company delivering sustainable energy solutions, adding that the new brand was reflective of company’s rich history and heritage as well as its future portfolio aspirations.

Speaking at the unveiling, Chairman of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Ladi Jadesimi, said the move signified that the company had come of age as a fully integrated player in the energy business having existed for 30 years since its birth.

Jadesimi stated, “We recognize that the present and future of any company in terms of prospects are more relevant than a glorious past or heritage. We are very aligned with the dynamic changes, opportunities, and challenges ahead of us and have a robust and well-articulated strategy to take advantage of the opportunities while managing the risks. 

“A brand is only as valuable as the quality of goods and services associated with it. In cognizance of this fact, our brand will be a reference point in the industry both nationally and internationally. Our determination is to be the most successful and respected in the energy space in Nigeria.

“The new brand identity reiterates the company’s commitment to innovation, growth, and sustainability. Aradel Holdings will continue to focus on exploration and production, as well as invest in renewable energy and other emerging technologies to further diversify its investment portfolio to ensure long-term strength.”

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, who provided the details of the rebranding, said the firm would continue to be a resilient company that adapts and reinvents itself for the future. 

“We are a company that is focused on providing energy solutions and consider ourselves a critical part of energy security in the nation. Our focus remains on providing energy access to every community we live and operate in, and beyond. Our new name represents not only our future but also reflects our past and unflinching pride in the legacy of our forefathers. 

“The A stands for accountability, the R for resilience, the A for adaptability, the D for diversity, the E for excellence, and the L for leadership. Today is the future that was dreamt of thirty years ago, and today we start another dream that will become a reality”, Falade explained.

Aradel Holdings’ rebranding from NDEP marks a significant milestone in the company’s history as the company is poised to transform the energy industry, and set new standards for innovation, growth, and sustainability. 

The rebranding is a continuation of its legacy of leadership, innovation, and expansion of its operational footprint.

Aradel consists of several subsidiaries including Aradel Energy Limited, Aradel Gas Limited, and Aradel Investments Limited (formally known as Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited (NDPR), ND Gas Development Company Limited, and NDEP Investments Limited respectively), all of which are wholly owned.

The company is also a significant equity holder in ND Western – a consortium of four companies that jointly acquired the 45 per cent Participating Interest in OML 34 belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), respectively, in 2012.

It also holds 95 per cent equity in Aradel Refineries (formally ND Refineries Limited) – an independent midstream entity.

The energy firm was incorporated on March 25, 1992, originally as the Midas Drilling Fund, and changed its name to Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc in November 1996. It assumed its current name, Aradel Holdings Plc in May 2023.