Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has emphasized the urgent need to boost upstream oil and gas production as a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit.
Speaking at the African upstream session at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025, Lokpobiri highlighted that a thriving upstream sector would naturally drive progress in the midstream and downstream segments. He stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve economic prosperity through borrowing but must instead focus on tangible investments in the energy sector.
“We cannot lift ourselves out of poverty through borrowing, but through tangible investments in our energy sector,” he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment that guarantees returns for investors. He pointed to ongoing reforms, including investor-centric policies, regulatory enhancements, and transparency measures, as key drivers of confidence in the sector.
Expressing optimism about the strategic discussions at the summit, Lokpobiri urged both local and international investors to seize the vast opportunities within Nigeria and Africa’s energy market. He emphasized that unlocking investments would not only enhance energy security but also drive economic growth across the continent.
The NIES 2025 continues to serve as a platform for dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s energy sector, attracting key stakeholders from across the globe.
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