The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has unveiled ambitious plans for the Nigerian oil and gas sector, anticipating a significant influx of investments totaling $5 billion. This disclosure came during a three-day 2024 Oil and Gas Sector Retreat themed ‘Building Synergy for Enhanced Development in the Oil and Gas Sector,’ organized by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja.
Senator Lokpobiri expressed optimism regarding the sector’s trajectory, foreseeing the surpassing of the 2024 production and revenue targets. He highlighted the government’s concerted efforts to restore confidence among global investors, facilitating an environment conducive to investment in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The minister revealed that several modular refinery licenses had been granted, emphasizing a commitment to streamlining bureaucratic processes to foster investment without undue interference.
Addressing concerns surrounding insecurity and infrastructure, Senator Lokpobiri reassured stakeholders of the government’s resolve to address these challenges, ensuring a stable and investor-friendly environment conducive to sustained growth.
Additionally, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Honorable Ekperikpe Ekpo, underscored the imperative of prioritizing infrastructure development to support gas exploration, production, processing, and distribution. He emphasized the pivotal role of gas infrastructure, including pipelines, LNG facilities, and processing plants, in facilitating efficient transportation and monetization of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources.
Highlighting the significance of gas as a transition fuel, Honorable Ekpo advocated for increased domestic production and utilization of gas across various sectors, including power generation, industrial processes, transportation, and household use. He endorsed initiatives such as the “Decade of Gas Initiative” aimed at driving gas utilization through targeted interventions and policy incentives.
In conclusion, Honorable Ekpo expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the discussions and deliberations at the retreat, calling for concerted action to reposition the Nigerian gas sector for optimal performance. He urged collective efforts to overcome challenges and foster resilience, thereby advancing Nigeria’s status as a beacon of progress and prosperity.
The retreat serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to align policies and strategies, driving the sector towards sustained growth and development in line with national objectives.
