By Ella Anokam
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has called on global investors to seize emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly transforming oil sector.
Lokpobiri said this in his keynote remark at the United States–Nigeria Council’s session on oil sector collaboration, held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
According to a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the minister highlighted Nigeria’s renewed policy focus and market potential.
He cited strong reforms, enhanced production capacity and regional influence as key drivers of growth.
“At the heart of Nigeria’s renewed energy agenda is a clear and deliberate policy direction to open our oil sector to deeper, smarter, and more strategic partnerships.
“The time to invest is not just now — it is ripe,” he said.
According to him, for over 10 years, prior to the coming of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria did not have any new investment in the oil sector.
“But with the reforms we have carried out, which have created an atmosphere that is globally competitive and attractive, we now have new investments running into billions of dollars.
“All inactive blocks during the period of no investments are in the basket now and up for grabs.
“We have longstanding relationship with U.S. and U.S. companies, beyond these relationships, there are new opportunities for new investors, both in the upstream sector and other sectors,” he said.
The Minister said that under the leadership of Tinubu, Nigeria’s oil sector had witnessed significant progress, including increased production output and a more attractive investment climate.
“Thanks to bold reforms and globally competitive fiscals, Nigeria has significantly ramped up production and repositioned itself as a dependable energy hub across West Africa and the continent,” he said.
Lokpobiri attributed this transformation to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which he described as a robust, investor-friendly legal framework that is driving growth and restoring investors’ confidence.
He, however, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to energy transition efforts, affirming that the country would continue to leverage its fossil fuel reserves to finance its energy mix, while adhering to international climate agreements.
“We are fully aligned with the Paris Agreement, and remain committed to cleaner, more sustainable exploration.
“Our doors are open, our laws are clear, and our environment is conducive — now is the time for U.S. and global investors to become part of Nigeria’s energy success story,” he said.
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