Lokpobiri Urges Operators to Prioritize Capacity Building, Productivity, and Sustainable Growth at #NOGEnergyWeek 2025
…Says Indigenous Firms Are Driving Sector Growth Amid New Investment Surge
The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., has underscored the critical importance of sustained capacity building, productivity, and innovation in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week (#NOGEnergyWeek) held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (BATICC) in Abuja, Senator Lokpobiri declared that the sector must rise to meet the high expectations of Nigerians.
“As a nation whose economy is deeply reliant on the energy sector, we must continue to prioritize capacity development. Sustaining investment in this area is non-negotiable if we must continue to grow,” he stated.
In a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister, Lokpobiri expressed satisfaction with the sector’s current trajectory. He noted that the successful conclusion of key divestment deals has triggered a new wave of investment, empowering indigenous companies to take the lead in asset development and operations.
“Our local content framework is clearly delivering on its mandate,” the Minister said. “The success of indigenous firms driving recent divestments is a clear indication of the progress we have made in building local capacity.”
Addressing a high-level audience of industry leaders, stakeholders, and global players, Senator Lokpobiri called on all operators to ensure that every asset under their control is active, productive, and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasized that effective asset utilization is not just a business necessity but a national imperative to meet energy demands and drive economic growth.
During the Ministerial Panel Session, Lokpobiri highlighted the urgency of developing a sustainable energy mix that ensures long-term energy security. He advocated for strategic investments and divestments that align with both domestic needs and Nigeria’s international energy obligations.
“We must drive strategic decisions that position us to meet local consumption needs while fulfilling export commitments,” he asserted.
While touring the exhibition stands at the event, the Minister also emphasized the need to deepen the deployment of indigenous technology solutions in the energy sector.
“It is imperative that we continue to encourage homegrown innovations to complement the commendable efforts already being made by operators in the field,” he added.
The week-long event culminated in the Closing Gala Dinner and Annual NOG Energy Awards Ceremony, where Senator Lokpobiri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rewarding excellence across the sector.
“As we call on operators to ramp up production, it is only fitting that we recognize and reward outstanding performance. This will inspire all stakeholders to deliver even greater value to our nation,” the Minister concluded.
#NOGEnergyWeek 2025 brought together a wide array of industry stakeholders and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to positioning its energy sector for sustainable growth, increased local participation, and global competitiveness.
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