Oando Plc has reiterated its commitment to boosting the growth and influence of local players in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry, following a strategic meeting with leaders of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG).

The engagement featured the Chairman of IPPG and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings, Adegbite Falade, who visited Oando Energy Resources to strengthen collaboration among indigenous operators as they take on a larger share of national crude output.

During the discussions, Falade highlighted the growing dominance of local producers in Nigeria’s upstream space, noting that IPPG members now contribute a significant portion of the country’s oil production. He praised Oando for its active participation within the group and its continued support in amplifying the collective voice of indigenous companies in policy and regulatory conversations.

Falade also acknowledged the backing of Oando’s top leadership, including Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu and Deputy Group Chief Executive Omamofe Boyo, commending the firm for committing both financial and human resources to the group’s recent 10-year anniversary activities.

Responding, Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources, Ainojie Irune, affirmed the company’s long-term dedication to IPPG’s objectives and the broader goal of strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous upstream capacity. He stressed that as local firms assume greater operational control, sustained production growth will depend on effective governance, disciplined project execution, and unified industry advocacy.

Falade, in his remarks, called for deeper alignment among IPPG members, urging companies to engage more strategically with regulators and policymakers to ensure that industry rules reflect on-the-ground realities.

Irune further welcomed recent efforts to enhance IPPG’s internal leadership framework, describing strong institutional structures as essential in navigating shifting regulatory, operational, and market conditions.