Minister Promises Prompt Resolution Of Atala Oil Field Ownership Dispute

The minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has promised that the federal government would resolve the ownership dispute around the Atala oil field promptly.

Lokpobiri made the promise when the Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, paid him a courtesy call on Thursday, in Abuja.

The Atala oil field, OML 46, has been embroiled in controversy regarding its ownership and operation.

The Bayelsa State Government, through Bayelsa Oil Company Limited, was initially a partner in the field along with other companies.

But in 2020, the Department of Petroleum Resources, now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, revoked BOCL’s licence, citing lack of production.

However, Bayelsa State believes that the revocation was unfair and that the field should be returned to the state. The Senate even backed this view. Halkin Exploration and Production Limited currently operates the field.

However, Bayelsa State and others are pushing for a reversal. The situation remains unresolved, with arguments centering around rightful ownership and development of the resource.

But in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the minister, it was stated that Lokpobiri, who played host to Diri, told his guest that the matter would be resolved promptly.

The statement read in part, “In response to Governor Diri’s appeal for the ministry’s intervention in restoring the Atala oil field belonging to Bayelsa State, the minister assured prompt attention to the matter.”

The statement further quoted Lokpobiri as saying, “We will look into the issue promptly and ensure fairness and equity in addressing state concerns.”

He also emphasised the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with state governments, particularly Bayelsa State, in advancing energy sector transformation efforts.

“We are open to partnerships with the Bayelsa State Government for mutual progress,” Lokpobiri stated.

The minister outlined the key objectives aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the energy sector to include increasing investments by International Oil Companies and boosting crude production to enhance Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.

Diri congratulated the minister on his appointment and commended his performance in transforming Nigeria’s energy sector.