In March 2025, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), was active. He aimed to bolster the nation’s oil production. Enhancing international energy collaborations and promoting local content in the oil and gas sector were also among his goals.
Facility Tours and Production Enhancement
On March 15, 2025, Minister Lokpobiri inspected TotalEnergies’ assets. The assets included the Ofon Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) unit and the Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit. These joint ventures significantly contribute to Nigeria’s oil output. NNPC Limited and TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria Limited are partners. For example, the Ofon FSO produces approximately 40,000 barrels per day (bpd). The Egina FPSO produces around 97,000 bpd. The minister lauded these contributions. Furthermore, he reiterated the federal government’s ambition. The government wants to elevate national oil production to three million bpd within the year.
Advocacy for Deregulation Benefits
In a statement on March 12, 2025, Minister Lokpobiri emphasized the positive impacts of the federal government’s decision. The government decided to fully deregulate the downstream oil sector. He asserted that this policy shift has begun yielding benefits for Nigerians. It could also lead to increased efficiency and investment in the sector.
Promotion of Local Content
From March 19 to 20, 2025, Minister Lokpobiri is scheduled to participate in Vanguard’s Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Warri, Delta State. This event aims to explore strategies. It seeks to enhance local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The Delta State Government and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) are organizing it. The minister’s involvement underscores his commitment to promoting local content. He also wants to ensure that Nigerians reap the benefits of the nation’s natural resources.
International Energy Collaboration
To further international energy partnerships, Minister Lokpobiri is set to represent Nigeria at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025. It is taking place from March 24 to 26 in Brazzaville. This forum will highlight investment opportunities. These are in hydrocarbon exploration, gas monetization, and green energy. Downstream industries across Central Africa will also be highlighted. Nigeria’s participation aligns with its goal to boost oil production. It also wants to strengthen ties with neighboring oil-producing nations.
Through these initiatives in March 2025, Minister Lokpobiri demonstrated a comprehensive approach. He enhanced Nigeria’s oil production capabilities. He fostered international collaborations. Moreover, he ensured that policy reforms translate into tangible benefits for the Nigerian populace.
