By Julius Peter
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has urged Seplat Energy Plc to deepen its investments in Nigeria’s energy sector and leverage its leadership transition to unlock greater opportunities in the industry.
Lokpobiri made the call when he received the management of Seplat Energy Plc on a familiarisation visit led by the company’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon.
Okon recently assumed leadership of the company, succeeding Mr. Roger Brown.
The minister, while welcoming the Seplat Energy delegation, described the company’s growth and success as a reflection of the immense potential of Nigerian enterprises to deliver world-class services and compete effectively on the global stage.
According to him, Seplat Energy’s development over the years demonstrates that Nigerian businesses can build strong and internationally competitive enterprises when they combine effective leadership, innovation and sustained investment.
Lokpobiri noted that such achievements were consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a more competitive, productive and investment-driven Nigerian economy.
He therefore encouraged the new management of Seplat Energy to use the leadership transition as an opportunity to further strengthen the company’s contribution to the Nigerian energy industry.
The minister specifically urged the management to deepen investment in the sector, expand opportunities and explore areas capable of supporting the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy industry.
He stressed the importance of continued private-sector participation and investment in driving the transformation of the country’s energy landscape.
Lokpobiri’s call comes against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s efforts to attract increased investment into Nigeria’s petroleum industry, boost production and create an environment that supports sustainable growth across the energy value chain.
The minister expressed confidence that Seplat Energy, given its track record and position within Nigeria’s energy industry, could play an even greater role in advancing the country’s energy ambitions.
He said the company’s success story should serve as encouragement to other Nigerian enterprises seeking to expand their operations, improve their competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
The familiarisation visit by the Seplat Energy management also provided an opportunity for the company’s new chief executive to engage with the minister and formally establish a working relationship with the government as he begins his tenure.
Lokpobiri reiterated the need for stakeholders in the energy sector to work together in pursuit of greater investment, improved performance and expanded opportunities for Nigerians.
He said deepening investment would not only strengthen the energy sector but also contribute to broader economic growth and reinforce Nigeria’s position as an attractive destination for investment.
The minister consequently urged Seplat Energy to take advantage of the current transition and emerging opportunities in the industry to expand its investments and contribute further to the realisation of Nigeria’s energy and economic development objectives.
The meeting underscores the Federal Government’s emphasis on stronger collaboration with indigenous energy companies as Nigeria seeks to attract investment, strengthen its energy sector and build a more competitive and investment-driven economy.
