Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has cautioned the National Assembly against the frequent summons of International Oil Companies (IOCs). Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja, Lokpobiri described the summons as potentially disruptive to the oil and gas industry.
Lokpobiri, a former senator, highlighted that the major complaint within the oil industry is the frequency and often unnecessary nature of these invitations. He advised lawmakers to carefully consider the issues and consult before issuing summons. He questioned the rationale behind summoning IOCs for procurement matters from many years ago, deeming such actions unwarranted.
Lokpobiri also mentioned that Nigeria aims to increase oil production to 2 million barrels per day by the end of 2025. He urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to target producing above two million barrels by 2025. Lokpobiri noted that since 2023, deliberate policies and reforms have increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector.
