From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The safety of oil and gas workers is non-negotiable for the success of the Petroleum Industry as it directly impacts sectoral growth. This was stated by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), who emphasized that such standards are key to unlocking sustained investment and productivity in Nigeria’s energy industry.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D, said this during his keynote address at the 4th PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit themed “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investment, and Incremental Production.” He noted that this imperative is why the Federal Government is deeply committed to the career growth and technical capacity of its workforce, particularly through structured training, global partnerships, and institutional reforms aimed at raising the bar across the sector.
In his keynote address delivered at the summit, the Minister commended PENGASSAN for its patriotism and continued partnership with Government in pursuit of energy sector growth. He emphasized that the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ensuring that “operations run seamlessly, every stakeholder’s interest is protected, and the benefits of our collective efforts are felt across the economy.”
Senator Lokpobiri highlighted the critical role of labour unions in shaping workplace culture and improving sectoral output. “We expect you to entrench ESG principles in workplace culture, ensuring that transparency, ethics, and sustainability are not afterthoughts but core operating philosophies,” he stated.
On capacity building, the Minister outlined Government’s initiatives such as the continued enhancement of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the establishment of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK). He described CPESK as “a centre of excellence designed to produce highly skilled professionals who can compete on the global stage,” noting its partnerships with top UK universities.
The Minister further highlighted the administration’s progress in local content development through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), noting that “Nigerians and indigenous firms are no longer bystanders in the value chain but active participants and leaders.”
He also pointed to the success of downstream deregulation, affirming, “Today, you can all attest to the positive impact it has had. Prices now find their natural level, and supply is stable.”
Calling for continued collaboration among all stakeholders, Senator Lokpobiri remarked: “If we can align Government policy, industry investment, union advocacy, and workforce commitment, then we will not just build a resilient oil sector; we will secure a future where Nigeria’s energy resources are a blessing to all her people.”
The Minister urged stakeholders to remain disciplined, innovative, and committed to national progress, assuring that the Government would remain a dependable partner in the journey toward sectoral resilience and prosperity.
