FG orders oil firms to fast-track projects, increase production
The Federal Government has urged oil companies in Nigeria to expedite project approvals and enhance field development, emphasizing the need for the country to substantially raise crude oil production in order to strengthen the economy and maintain competitiveness in the global energy sector.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), made this request during his ministerial address at the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content Forum held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event, now in its 14th iteration, was themed: “Industry Stakeholders to Advance Nigerian Content Implementation.”
Lokpobiri stated that the sector should take advantage of the renewed global acceptance of hydrocarbons by boosting production levels. He highlighted that Nigeria is “open, ready and determined” to attract fresh investments, further noting that enhanced regulatory alignment among NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NCDMB is helping to restore confidence among investors.
He pointed out that while the government has established a stable policy and regulatory framework, industry players must show commitment by authorizing and implementing projects.
The Minister delivered a strong message to operators: “EPCs will not initiate work based on promises; they require tangible projects. Without verified field-development plans, credible drilling timelines, and solid capital commitments, contractors will not regard us seriously.”
Lokpobiri expressed support for the current 2025 licensing round that offers 50 oil blocks but warned that only technically and financially qualified bidders should apply. He remarked that the time of acquiring oil licenses and leaving them unused “like souvenirs” is over.
He called for immediate actions from the sector: “We need genuine field activities, accelerated developments, and operations on all accessible assets. Nigeria must enhance its oil production, doing so efficiently and sustainably.”
Lokpobiri mentioned that the government is addressing security concerns, expediting approvals, reviving stalled projects, and investing in evacuation infrastructure to bolster production growth. Every added barrel, he emphasized, contributes to economic strengthening and job creation.
Regarding local content, he explained that Nigeria is progressing from basic involvement to global competitiveness through stricter compliance, better monitoring, and disciplined funding for service companies. He urged operators, EPC contractors, host communities, and financial institutions to transition from “conversation to commitment” in order to meet national energy and economic objectives.
He wrapped up his address with a message of shared optimism: “We possess the resources, we have the expertise, and we are resolute. Together, we will shape the energy future that Nigeria deserves.”
In addition, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), stated that the Petroleum Industry Act has established a fully liberalized and investment-focused midstream and downstream gas sector.
He brought attention to significant ongoing gas infrastructure initiatives such as the AKK and OB3 pipelines, the Trans-Saharan and Trans-Atlantic gas projects, expansions of the West African Gas Pipeline, and the Nigeria–Equatorial Guinea Gas Pipeline Project. He also indicated that Nigeria is engaging in talks for new interconnections with Libya to enhance regional gas cooperation.
Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, reaffirmed the administration's goal of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day.
Previously, Engr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, announced that the level of Nigerian content in projects overseen by the Board has climbed from 56 to 61 percent.
He stated that the Project 100 initiative, initiated in 2019, would be fully executed by April 2026, after which a new group of beneficiaries will be chosen.
Engr. Ogbe provided a timeline for the Board’s upcoming actions: “Between Q1 and Q2 2026, we will reassess our seven existing guidelines. Additionally, we will finalize the legal and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme to facilitate the initiation of operations at the Odukpani and Emeyal 1 parks.”
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