Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for proactive, homegrown strategies to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined oil and to help lower fuel costs for domestic consumers.
The Governor made the appeal on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the opening ceremony of the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.
Highlighting the importance of the oil and gas sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that it has been a major contributor to Nigeria’s revenue for over seven decades, funding capital projects and infrastructural developments across the country. He emphasized the need for a balanced energy mix that includes renewable sources to diversify the nation’s revenue base.
“This is very important as the country strives to diversify its sources of revenue by supporting and funding other sectors to expand wealth creation and ensure sustainability,” the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also showcased Ondo State’s growing role in national energy security, noting that the state ranks fifth among hydrocarbon-producing states in Nigeria, producing approximately 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The state also hosts the largest deposit of bitumen in Nigeria and the second largest in Africa, much of which remains untapped.
In a bid to boost domestic refining capacity, the Governor recalled that in July 2025, his administration signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Backbone Infrastructure Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to establish a 500,000 barrels-per-day petroleum refinery in Ilaje Local Government Area.
“This project will not only boost domestic refining capacity but also create thousands of jobs and support the federal government’s efforts at achieving energy sufficiency,” he added.
The Governor commended NAPE’s leadership for building a strong professional community of explorationists and geoscientists driving innovation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He also congratulated the incoming NAPE President, Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi, an Ondo State indigene, wishing her a tenure marked by progress and impactful leadership.
He further noted that the 43rd anniversary of NAPE demonstrates the association’s resilience, commitment, and purposeful leadership in advancing Nigeria’s energy industry.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing reforms and investment growth in the energy sector. Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen, highlighted that since 2023, the Federal Government has provided clear direction for strengthening exploration and investment through international partnerships.
NAPE President, Mr. Johnbosco Uche, described the conference as a strategic platform for exchanging insights, knowledge, and innovations aimed at shaping the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Themed “Revitalizing the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development,” the conference attracted key players, policymakers, and experts from across the energy value chain.
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