The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to expanding the country’s oil production and making the nation a top destination for foreign investment in the energy sector.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, made the declaration during a visit to the NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture’s Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) facility in Delta State.
Lokpobiri stressed that the government is focused on creating a globally competitive environment that encourages investors to expand operations in Nigeria. He emphasized that sustainable growth in oil production depends on increased investments and urged companies to develop available oil blocks or partner with investors rather than leaving assets idle for decades.
“Since taking office, our goal has been to provide incentives and policies that make Nigeria attractive for energy investments. Where development is delayed, it is better to bring in partners who can deploy capital and expertise,” Lokpobiri said.
The minister praised the operational performance of the NNPC/Chevron JV and encouraged other operators to farm out underutilized assets to investors with the resources to develop them. He also revealed that the government is reviewing the activation of the Petroleum Industry Act’s “drill or drop” provision to accelerate resource development.
Chevron Nigeria’s General Manager, Segun Kuteyi, expressed optimism about the company’s future in Nigeria, highlighting the North Star strategy, which channels corporate resources into operational growth and resource monetization. Kuteyi praised the minister for his hands-on approach and pledged continued collaboration with the government to support Nigeria’s energy agenda.
The Escravos GTL facility, operated jointly by Chevron and NNPC, has a daily production capacity of 33,000 barrels and converts natural gas into environmentally friendly fuel, diesel, and GTL naphtha.
Chevron’s Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Schwartz, also highlighted the company’s 60-year legacy in Nigeria and noted that the Petroleum Industry Act provides an enabling environment for long-term investment. He emphasized that government support remains vital for unlocking new resources and sustaining production growth.
“The future looks bright for our operations in Nigeria. With the government’s support and the PIA framework, we can continue to develop resources and expand production,” Schwartz said.
The visit underscores the strong partnership between the Nigerian government and Chevron, signaling a renewed focus on boosting local production and attracting international energy investments.
