The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining investor-friendly laws and regulations to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking at the 2026 Lawyers in Energy International Conference in Lagos, the minister, represented by the Director of Legal Services in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Terlumun Tyendezwa, said the government would continue to improve the country’s legal and regulatory framework to create a transparent, predictable and stable investment environment.
Lokpobiri said the Petroleum Industry Act has provided a strong legal foundation for the oil and gas industry, while ongoing regulatory reforms are aimed at giving investors greater clarity and certainty across the upstream and downstream sectors.
He stressed that investor confidence depends not only on sound policies but also on consistent implementation and enforceable laws. He added that Nigeria’s Climate Change Act and carbon credit framework further demonstrate the country’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term investment.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen regulatory institutions, encourage stakeholder engagement and ensure that the legal framework protects investors, host communities and the public.
Speaking virtually at the conference, Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, Farid Ghezali, said regulatory stability, fiscal certainty and policy consistency have become critical factors influencing investment decisions in the global energy industry. He urged African countries to harmonise their legal frameworks to reduce investment risks and attract more capital.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lawyers in Energy Network, George Etomi, said lawyers have a key role to play in developing legal and regulatory systems that support sustainable investment and help African countries achieve their long-term energy transition goals. Founder and Executive Secretary of the network, Raqueebah Oloko, said the conference focused on reforms needed to help African nations balance energy transition with economic development.
