The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has announced a partnership with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to bolster local refineries. Speaking at the 2024 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, Lokpobiri emphasized that this collaboration aims to enhance domestic refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported refined products, and stimulate economic growth.
The summit, themed “The Future of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Energy Mix, Energy Security, Artificial Intelligence, Divestment, and Crude Oil Theft,” served as a platform for discussing the strategic positioning of Nigeria in the rapidly changing global energy landscape.
Lokpobiri highlighted that the Federal Government is committed to creating a conducive environment for local refineries to thrive, which is essential for the country’s economic growth and energy security. He also noted that Nigeria’s role in Africa’s energy security is pivotal, with significant implications for the West African sub-region.
Despite challenges in the industry, including divestment issues and the dehumanization of Nigerian employees in International Oil Companies (IOCs), PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo reiterated the association’s commitment to advocating for better management and conditions within the sector.