Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has affirmed that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is strategically positioned with a special mandate to assist industry players and investors in the oil and gas sector to thrive, thus contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Senator Lokpobiri made this assertion in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, led by its Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairman, Emeka Ene.
Highlighting the need for increased attention to the oil sector to bolster investment and revenue generation, Lokpobiri emphasised that such efforts would deter people, particularly the youth, from seeking opportunities abroad.
The Minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to exceed its projected 2000 barrels per day production capacity, emphasising that collaboration with organisations like the SPE Nigeria Council is vital for achieving this goal.
“As a ministry, our focus is to collaborate with your council and other stakeholders to grow our economy,” he affirmed.
Lokpobiri noted the plethora of opportunities available in the oil sector and stressed that one effective means of boosting the nation’s foreign exchange earnings is by augmenting crude oil production, in alignment with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s directives.
Assuring the Council of his unwavering support, the Minister pledged to attend their upcoming conference and exhibition event.
During his presentation, Salahuddeen M. Tahir, Chairman of the 2024 SPE Nigeria Council, briefed the Minister on SPE’s global platform for the petroleum industry, emphasising its role in providing technical expertise, skills development, and networking opportunities for members worldwide.
The Council sought the Minister’s support and extended an invitation to the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2024), scheduled from August 5th to 7th, 2024, in Lagos, while presenting their programmes and activities for the Minister’s consideration.