The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has called on Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies that exited Nigeria in recent years to return, as the country pushes for a revival of its oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Nigerian Council, Lokpobiri said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken concrete steps to make Nigeria more investment-friendly for oil and gas operators.
“I would like to use this opportunity to make a strong case to Engineering, Procurement, and Construction companies that have previously operated in Nigeria and have since exited. The current administration has worked tirelessly to ensure a more stable and investment-friendly business environment,” Lokpobiri stated.
He noted that EPC firms, such as the now-absent Willbros and McDermott, once played a critical role in Nigeria’s oil development and infrastructure, but their exit has left a gap that is now affecting the delivery of major oil projects, especially in deepwater operations.
“With reforms given by the Petroleum Industry Act and other strategic incentives, Nigeria is positioned as a dependable and rewarding destination for EPC companies,” he said, adding that the government is determined to create a business environment that is globally competitive and capable of attracting long-term investment.
Lokpobiri stressed the importance of EPC companies in infrastructure development, project execution, and technology transfer within the sector. He urged them to reinvest in Nigeria and be part of the country’s renewed journey toward energy security and economic prosperity.
Recent conversations with International Oil Companies (IOCs), according to Lokpobiri, revealed that the lack of active EPC firms is a major reason many oil projects remain stalled. At the Cross Industry Group meeting in Florence, Italy, the minister had warned IOCs that idle and underutilised oilfields could be withdrawn if they failed to show meaningful investment.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently reported that over 220 oil blocks remain undeveloped across Nigeria’s onshore and offshore basins, including 59 in deep offshore zones.
Speaking further at the NAICE event, Lokpobiri touched on the broader theme of the conference, “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy.” He said the Nigerian government is focused on innovation, investment in human capital, and policy support to ensure the country remains relevant in the global energy transition.
He identified geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, currency volatility, and environmental pressures as major challenges facing the energy sector globally, but said Nigeria must respond by embracing technology.
“Technology remains one of the most delicate issues we have to address in the global energy crisis. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, innovation must continue,” Lokpobiri said in a speech read by an aide. He cited advancements like airborne surveys and non-invasive exploration techniques, as well as the application of artificial intelligence, as transformative tools in modern oil operations.
On human capacity development, Lokpobiri said the federal government is committed to equipping Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the changing energy sector. He said this is essential for job creation, local content growth, and national development.
Meanwhile, the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola, who also spoke at the event, urged policymakers and regulators to align more closely with industry players to drive sustainable growth and address long-standing issues in the oil and gas space.
As Nigeria continues to explore ways of attracting foreign investment, Lokpobiri’s message underscores the government’s concern over declining project delivery and foreign exits from the sector. Analysts say restoring investor confidence, including that of EPC companies, will be crucial if the country wants to increase production and benefit from global demand while managing its energy transition goals.
