At the Africa Energy Week 2024 (#AEW2024) in Cape Town, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, engaged with international investors, highlighting Nigeria’s significant potential as a key energy investment hub.
Emphasizing Nigeria’s position as home to nearly 30% of Africa’s oil and gas reserves, Senator Lokpobiri underscored the government’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment through strategic reforms in the oil and gas sector.
This was made known in a statement signed by his SA Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor on Friday, November 8, 2024.
“Our vast resources make Nigeria a natural destination for energy investments in Africa,” Lokpobiri stated, adding that the ongoing reform agenda, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness to become a globally competitive energy player.
The Minister discussed recent executive orders introduced to incentivize investors, alongside the elimination of bureaucratic delays in operational licensing.
“Through these measures, we’re not only creating a level playing field but also ensuring that investors see Nigeria as a strategic and efficient market,” Lokpobiri affirmed.
One of the significant issues Lokpobiri addressed was the importance of independent players.
Despite facing challenges related to funding, these players remain crucial to Nigeria’s energy industry and continue to drive local development and capacity building.
“The independents play a fundamental role in our oil sector,” said Lokpobiri. “However, financing has been a persistent hurdle. We are addressing this challenge by establishing stronger financial structures to support local producers.”
Senator Lokpobiri pointed to the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank as a transformative solution. Formed through a partnership between the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) and AfreximBank, this dedicated energy bank aims to bridge funding gaps within the African energy sector.
With Nigeria selected as its headquarters, the bank is expected to open new financing channels, enhancing investor confidence and fueling industry growth.
“The Africa Energy Bank is set to be a game-changer for our sector,” Lokpobiri noted. “It will provide the financial stability and support that both local and foreign investors need.”
Senator Lokpobiri also reiterated the benefits of Nigeria’s fully deregulated oil sector, which allows for open participation across all segments of the industry.
He encouraged investors to capitalize on this deregulated environment, which removes barriers and fosters healthy competition.
