Private Oil & Gas Firms Can Double Nigeria’s FX Earnings, Expert Says

While Nigeria’s oil-rich status is globally recognized, oil and gas expert, Inem Uwah says the nation is underperforming in converting its black gold into economic prosperity.

He said Nigeria is leaving billions of dollars on the table by stifling the private oil and gas sector.

Uwah said enhancing private sector participation could potentially double the nation’s foreign exchange inflows.

“For instance, a comparative analysis with countries like the United States, where private companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron dominate the landscape, shows that robust private sector involvement can lead to exponential growth in foreign exchange earnings. With increased investment and efficient management, Nigeria could see an additional $20 billion in annual foreign exchange revenues from the private oil and gas sector alone.

“Unlike its peers, such as the United States and Norway, where private giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Equinor thrive, Nigeria’s oil industry remains heavily controlled by the government. This stranglehold has stifled innovation, efficiency, and investment.”

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He said to unlock this vast potential, Nigeria must urgently implement sweeping reforms by streamlining bureaucracy, ensuring regulatory clarity, and investing in critical infrastructure. “The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is a promising start, but its full potential can only be realized with determined execution.”Nigeria’s unhealthy focus on being a crude oil trading outpost while failing to develop other segments of the industry has limited its economic potential. Currently, crude oil accounts for 80% of Nigeria’s exports, contributing a significant proportion of foreign exchange earnings and government revenue. However, the export of refined products and oil and gas industry expertise remains underexplored.

“In the second quarter of 2023, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector contributed 5.34% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), a decrease from the previous quarter’s 5.66% and the same period in 2022. This growth rate was also lower than the 3.54% recorded in the second quarter of 2022, possibly due to challenging economic conditions. The 2024 budget estimates that the oil sector will contribute 42% to government revenue.

“The private sector is uniquely positioned to drive rapid growth across the full range of segments in the oil industry. Only the private sector can provide the necessary agility, innovation, and investment to develop areas such as refining, petrochemicals, and the export of technical expertise, thereby maximizing foreign exchange earnings.

Uwah said its time for Nigeria to break free from the shackles of the past and embrace the private sector as a catalyst for economic transformation.