MIDWESTERN Q1 & Q2 2019 NEWSLETTER MIDWESTERNQUARTERLY update 19 | Page 4

EDITOR’S NOTE MIDWESTERNQUARTERLY Editor’s Note FROM THE EDITORS DESK I am delighted to bring you this quarter’s newsletter, it’s been a long demanding year for me, I suspect that it might have been the same for you. For some reason, this year has been tasking, especially with the ever-present demand to exceed the last year’s achievements. I do hope that in the midst of the hustle that you found reason to smile. ​ A number of issues continue to plague the industry including peren- nial vandalism and theft, lack of access to finance as well as high cost of finance, there is also the uncertainty about the fiscal structures for the industry in view of the pending review of the PIB. Most recently, the implementation of government regulations by way of the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations, 2018 has got compa- nies strategizing about how best to monetize their gas and avoid pen- alties. It is in the interest of the environment that gas flaring is reduced or stopped altogether but lack of and deteriorating gas infrastructure, the cost of independent investments and the unfavorable fiscal incen- tives continues to be a barrier to achieving this lofty goal. Despite the barriers, the steep penalties are forcing creativity, as companies scam- per to implement plans to mitigate the impact. The truth about crises is that it urges resourcefulness, so this potentially unfavorable situation may see winners emerging. We all look forward to the success stories while hoping that success will be ours as well. 4