The federal government has intensified its efforts to attract significant investments into the country’s deepwater oil and gas sector, underscoring its commitment through strategic engagements with major international oil companies.
Minister of state for petroleum resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in separate meetings with two international oil companies in Abuja on Monday, underscored the critical importance of collaboration between government and industry stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in the energy sector.
Nigeria’s oil and gas sector contributes significantly to government revenues and foreign exchange earnings. The deepwater segment, in particular, holds immense potential for increasing production capacity and attracting high-value investments. However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainties, infrastructure deficits, and security concerns have historically hindered growth.
The current administration’s proactive engagement with industry leaders signals a strategic shift towards addressing these challenges through partnership and policy reforms.
Lokpobiri, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, said he held a strategic meeting with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited, during which the outgoing managing director, Osagie Okunbor, formally introduced his successor, Marno de Jong, currently vice president Africa, along with his leadership team.
The new management team presented ambitious investment plans projected to run into billions of dollars, signaling Shell’s unwavering confidence in Nigeria’s energy potential despite global market uncertainties.
Following this, Senator Lokpobiri said he also met with top executives from Chevron Nigeria Limited, including President of Chevron International Exploration and Production (E&P), Clay Neff, and chairman and managing director of the Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Jim Swartz, The discussions focused on enhancing Chevron’s role in Nigeria’s oil industry, particularly in the deepwater segment—a sector identified as a key growth area.
During the meeting, Senator Lokpobiri reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive destination for oil and gas investments.
He emphasised the government’s resolve to create a stable and attractive business environment that encourages long-term partnerships and fosters innovation.
“The government remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our industry partners to unlock Nigeria’s vast energy resources, ensuring that investments translate into tangible benefits for our economy and people,” Lokpobiri stated.
The engagements with Shell and Chevron highlight a renewed spirit of cooperation and shared vision among Nigeria’s energy stakeholders. Both companies expressed optimism about expanding their operations and deepening their investments, particularly in technologically advanced deepwater exploration and production.
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