NEIS 2025: Ekpo assures oil producers, investors of a secure environment
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with security agencies to ensure a safe and stable environment for oil exploration and production in Nigeria.
Ekpo made this pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), themed “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential.”
Speaking at the Africa Upstream Forum, which focused on the sub-theme “From Resources to Revenue,” Ekpo emphasised the crucial role of oil producers in powering transportation, industry, and electricity generation.
“You are the producers who generate the energy that drives transportation systems, industries, and the power sector, among others. We are working closely with security operatives to guarantee a safe environment for your operations,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that improved relations between oil companies and host communities would contribute to stability in the Niger Delta region.
“With a strengthened relationship between oil firms and host communities, we believe there will be greater stability. Most of the necessary amenities have been provided, which will encourage peace,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), highlighted the commission’s dedication to ensuring shared prosperity through the effective implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
“With 154 HCDTs registered and over ¦ 78.8 billion ($122 million) contributed to the fund, we are facilitating tangible change. This has resulted in 198 ongoing projects within host communities, fostering peace and economic growth in resource-rich areas,” Komolafe stated.
He further noted that strategic policy interventions had created an investment-friendly atmosphere, enabling transformative deals in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
“One of our significant achievements is the establishment of a structured divestment framework. This ensures regulatory certainty, protects industry interests, and sustains production while facilitating the seamless transfer of assets.”
According to Komolafe, this framework played a crucial role in transactions such as: The transfer of NAOC’s onshore and shallow water assets to Oando; Equinor’s exit via Project Odinmim; Shell Petroleum Development Company’s divestment to Renaissance; ExxonMobil’s (MPN) asset transfer to Seplat Energy.
He emphasised that these transitions ensured production stability while attracting new investors and expertise to the sector.
Komolafe further stressed that the NUPRC is committed to fostering innovation and regulatory excellence.
“We are driving sustainability through digital oilfields, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, and automation. Additionally, we are supporting local content development and technology localisation.”
To promote industry stability, the commission has also introduced alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
“The NUPRC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) plays a vital role in resolving conflicts efficiently. With the recent inauguration of the Body of Neutrals, we now have an expert panel ensuring impartiality and minimising legal delays in the sector,” he added.
