The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with indigenous oil service providers as part of efforts to increase crude oil production and stimulate growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made this declaration during a recent inspection of Geoplex Oilfield Services and WCS facilities in Port Harcourt. The Minister emphasized that boosting oil production would be unattainable without robust collaboration with local service providers.
In a statement released by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri stressed the importance of indigenous companies in helping Nigeria achieve its production targets. He further noted that with the renewed strategies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the government is taking deliberate steps to ensure that these collaborations flourish.
“Our drive to increase production will be a mirage if we do not have strong collaboration with oil service providers, especially indigenous ones,” Lokpobiri stated. “With the renewed strategies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we are taking deliberate steps to ensure that these collaborations thrive.”
The Minister also commended Geoplex Oilfield Services for its state-of-the-art facilities and its commitment to global standards, noting that the company is well-positioned to compete with international oil service firms.
“From my observations during the inspection, it is evident that Geoplex is fortified to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry at par with international service providers. Their dedication is truly commendable,” he added.
In response, the chairman of Geoplex Group, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, expressed gratitude for the government’s recognition of indigenous companies’ contributions to the sector. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting national goals through innovation and excellence.
“We at Geoplex are proud to be part of the solution to Nigeria’s production challenges. Our facilities, investments, and technical expertise are all geared toward complementing the government’s efforts to ramp up production,” Ogunsanya said.
Lokpobiri also highlighted the need for a conducive business environment and sustained investments to empower local service providers, stressing that fostering these partnerships is crucial to the success of the administration’s plans to revitalize Nigeria’s oil sector and restore its position as a leading oil producer in Africa.
The Minister commended Geoplex Group’s leadership for its efforts, emphasizing that indigenous firms like Geoplex are proving that they can deliver world-class services.
“The work being done here is exemplary. Companies like Geoplex are proving that Indigenous firms can deliver world-class services. With such dedication, we are confident that the future of Nigeria’s oil sector is in good hands,” Lokpobiri said.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on indigenous oil service providers aligns with broader goals of maximizing local content, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth. Through ongoing initiatives to create a supportive environment, the administration aims to unlock the full potential of local firms while ensuring Nigeria meets its production targets.
The collaboration between the government and companies like Geoplex underscores the vital role of public-private partnerships in achieving national objectives, with a focus on securing energy independence and sustainable growth.