The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, due process, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Lokpobiri made this known during the sail-away and flag-off ceremony of the EMEM Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, developed by Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) for the Okwok Field Development Project offshore Nigeria.

Describing the launch as a “landmark milestone,” Lokpobiri said the EMEM FPSO demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to ramp up crude oil production sustainably while encouraging indigenous participation in the petroleum industry.

“This event is not just the launch of a vessel; it is a statement of confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and a demonstration of the kind of bold, forward-looking investments we need to achieve our national goals,” the Minister stated.

Transparency and Merit-Driven Approvals

In a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister, Lokpobiri emphasized that fairness, transparency, and merit remain the guiding principles in project approvals across the sector.

“Investors and operators do not need to know me personally before their applications are approved. As long as you comply with the extant laws and regulations, your projects will receive timely consideration,” he said.

He cited the EMEM FPSO project as an example, noting that he met the Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammed Indimi, for the first time at the event — proof of the administration’s impartial approach.

Oriental Energy Commended for Indigenous Innovation

In his remarks, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, OFR, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and regulators for fostering an environment that empowers indigenous operators to thrive.

“In 2022, we made the ambitious decision to develop the Okwok Field independently. The sail-away of the EMEM FPSO marks a critical milestone in that process,” Indimi said.
“The Minister didn’t have to know me or our company before providing the necessary support — that reflects this administration’s commitment to transparency and growth.”

Strengthening Nigeria’s Energy Future

Lokpobiri praised Oriental Energy Resources for its innovation and resilience, noting that the EMEM FPSO project embodies Nigeria’s progress toward energy security, local content development, and value creation in the oil and gas value chain.

“With the commissioning of the EMEM FPSO, we are not just increasing barrels; we are creating the revenue streams required to fund our national development agenda,” Lokpobiri added.

The commissioning represents another significant stride toward achieving Nigeria’s long-term goals of sustainable oil production, indigenous participation, and investor confidence in the petroleum sector.