From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, has called on operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to take immediate steps to boost crude oil production and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global energy market.
Speaking at the Cross Industry Group (CIG) Meeting in London, England, the Minister emphasized that the Federal Government has continued to implement policies and reforms aimed at creating a more attractive and stable investment environment for the sector. He noted that with these efforts in place, the government now expects industry players to reciprocate by accelerating production activities.
“Over the last two years, as a government, we have continued to do our part in creating an enabling environment for investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. We now look forward to industry reciprocating these efforts,” Lokpobiri said.
According to the Minister, the current global energy landscape presents a critical window of opportunity for Nigeria to increase production and strengthen its role in global energy supply, particularly in light of evolving developments in the Gulf region.
“The current global situation presents a window of opportunity that we must collectively take advantage of in the short term. With the evolving dynamics in the global energy market, Nigeria is well positioned to help bridge supply gaps,” he stated.
Lokpobiri urged operators to move beyond simply recognizing the opportunity and instead commit to actionable programs capable of delivering immediate production gains. He highlighted several initiatives that can be implemented quickly, including re-entry programmes, in-field well development, and other operational interventions designed to boost output.
“We need you not only to understand the opportunity before us but to actively go to work on programs that can deliver immediate production gains,” he said. “These include re-entry programmes, in-field well development, and other operational initiatives that can be executed quickly.”
The Minister also encouraged companies to prioritize non-major repairs and operational interventions that can rapidly restore shut-in production and improve output across existing assets.
While noting that many government engagements with industry typically focus on long-term development programmes, Lokpobiri stressed that the current global environment requires renewed attention to short-term production optimisation.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s position as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the global oil and gas industry, the Minister urged stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the country maximizes the opportunities presented by the evolving global energy market.
