SENATOR LOKPOBIRI TASK STAKEHOLDERS IN OIL AND GAS SECTOR ON EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIP AT NOGOF 2025

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Oil, has said this years’ Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair, NOGOF should serve as national platform that fosters catalytic investment opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

Senator Lokpobiri stated this on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair, with the theme “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Nigerian’s Oil and Gas Industry Through Indigenous Capacity Development”, at the Local Content Towers in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.

The minister called on all participants of the 2-day event to go beyond conversations by initiating partnership and investment decisions that will shape the narrative of the industry.

Also speaking, Hon. Boma Goodhead, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Content Development at the House of Reps assured that the committee would continue to enact laws and ensure beneficial legislative oversight to promote productivity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

On his part Governor Douye Diri, represented by Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, his deputy called on the National Assembly to review the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, to enable state governments in oil producing areas play statutory roles in overseeing development projects in host communities.

He noted that while the extant PIA empowers oil and gas bearing communities to directly receive oil proceeds accruing to them without recourse to state governments, hostilities emanating from the management of such funds were always being channeled to government for settlement.

Also, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the National Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB highlighted the significance of NOGOF 2025, saying it coincides with 15 years of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD Act 2010.

He noted that “This forum provides us with a strategic platform to share forward-looking insights, showcase upcoming projects, and deepen collaboration across the oil and gas value chain”.

Senator Lokpobiri performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the exhibition and allowing delegates to visit the various stands at this year’s Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair.

Reported By Bright Okpo