The Federal Government has issued a clear warning to international oil companies and other operators in the petroleum sector, saying only those ready to speed up field development and deliver real projects will continue to operate in Nigeria’s energy industry. The government said it will no longer tolerate idle licences or delayed investments that slow down crude oil production and weaken Nigeria’s economic growth.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, delivered the message on Tuesday at the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content Forum held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event, which was themed “Industry Stakeholders to Advance Nigerian Content Implementation,” brought together key players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including regulators, contractors, investors and government officials.
Lokpobiri explained that the global energy market is gradually shifting, with renewed acceptance for hydrocarbons. He said this gives Nigeria an opportunity to grow its crude oil supply and strengthen the economy. According to him, the government is “open, ready and determined” to attract new investment, but only companies willing to take action will gain from the favourable environment the administration is creating.
The Minister said better cooperation among the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has increased investor confidence, but operators must now match this progress with practical steps. He warned that engineering, procurement and construction companies will not mobilise to site based on empty promises. He noted that without approved field development plans, clear drilling schedules and strong capital commitments, contractors will not take Nigeria seriously.
Speaking on the 2025 licensing round, which offers 50 oil blocks to interested investors, Lokpobiri stressed that only bidders with both technical strength and financial capacity should apply. He stated that the era of buying oil licences and leaving them unused “like souvenirs” has ended. He urged all operators to move quickly, develop their fields and contribute to Nigeria’s crude oil output, which remains critical for boosting revenue, creating jobs and improving economic stability.
Lokpobiri also spoke on security issues affecting production, saying the government is taking steps to protect oil facilities, reduce pipeline vandalism and improve community engagement in oil-producing areas. He said the government is also speeding up approvals, reviving abandoned projects and improving evacuation infrastructure to ensure that all produced crude can be transported efficiently.
On local content, the Minister said Nigeria is moving from basic involvement to global competitiveness. He noted that the government is strengthening compliance and monitoring to ensure that Nigerian companies benefit from the oil and gas industry. He also said funding challenges faced by local service companies will be addressed to help them compete better with foreign firms. He encouraged operators, EPC firms, host communities and financial institutions to move from “conversation to commitment” in supporting Nigerian content.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, also spoke at the event. He said the Petroleum Industry Act has fully opened up the midstream and downstream gas sectors, encouraging new investments and projects. He listed key projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, the OB3 gas line, the Trans-Saharan pipeline, the Trans-Atlantic gas initiative and several regional gas networks that will help Nigeria expand its gas market locally and internationally.
The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, restated the administration’s goal of raising Nigeria’s crude oil production to three million barrels per day. She said achieving this target requires strong cooperation among regulators, operators and investors.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr. Felix Ogbe, said Nigeria has increased its local content performance to 61 percent. He also announced plans to complete Project 100 by April 2026. Project 100 is designed to support highly capable Nigerian oil and gas service companies. Ogbe added that the NCDMB will soon operationalise the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme facilities in Odukpani, Cross River State and Emeyal 1 in Bayelsa State to boost manufacturing and job creation.
As Nigeria pushes to increase oil production, strengthen gas development and expand local content, the Federal Government is sending a strong message that only companies committed to real action will retain their place in the country’s energy future. The government believes that every additional barrel produced and every new project executed will help secure Nigeria’s economic stability and ensure long-term growth for the petroleum industry.
