By Emmanuella Anokam
Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), says government is committed to optimising assets and increasing oil and gas production.
Ekpo spoke on Thursday at the 26th Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum, organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the forum commemorates the 1956 discovery of commercial oil in Oloibiri, Bayelsa.
The forum’s theme was ‘Beyond the Three Million Barrels Target: Harmonising Digitalisation, Capital, and Policy Frameworks for Intelligent Operations and Asset Optimisation’.
Ekpo said achieving higher production required a deliberate convergence of digitalisation, capital investment, and robust policy frameworks.
“Digitalisation is transforming oil and gas operations through artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and automation.
“These technologies improve efficiency, reduce downtime, enhance safety and lower operational costs across the value chain.
“Government remains committed to supporting digital integration to keep Nigeria competitive in the global energy space,” he said.
On investment, he said capital remained vital for sustaining infrastructure, especially within a transition-driven global energy market.
He said regulatory improvements and executive directives were strengthening governance and ease of doing business.
Ekpo said Decade of Gas initiatives aimed to expand infrastructure, boost domestic utilisation and support industrialisation.
He stressed environmental sustainability, including reducing emissions, ending gas flaring and adopting low-carbon technologies.
Mr Saidu Mohammed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, called for stronger capacity and policy frameworks.
Mohammed said Nigeria’s ambition to exceed three million barrels daily and 22 billion cubic feet of gas required significant investment.
“Large-scale investments in assets capable of delivering substantial volumes are critical to achieving these targets,” he said.
He noted shifting global energy dynamics favoured Africa as a reliable destination for hydrocarbon investments.
“Recent global crises highlight Africa’s importance in the energy mix, with investment flows increasingly tilting towards the region.
“Available funding is returning to fossil fuel development, and Nigeria must seize this opportunity to expand production.
“Higher output requires policies that simplify processes, boost investor confidence and encourage capital inflows,” he said.
Mohammed said the authority would soon launch “Project Nexus” to transform regulatory processes through technology and automation.
He said the initiative would align operations with global best practices and ensure sustainable energy supply.
Mohammed urged operators to collaborate on a unified network system with clear operational codes for efficiency and accountability.
He added that Nigeria must abandon outdated systems and adopt modern, integrated solutions to realise its energy potential. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
