Oil and Gas Sector Stakeholders Get FG's Assurances ..... As Lokpobiri Says Govt Committed To Ensuring Unhindered Thriving Businesses

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri
Hon. Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil)

"Today, we have the opportunity to be able to address your concerns with a view to finding a common ground so that we can have a clear framework on how things should be done." Senator Lokpobiri tells stakeholders in Oil and Gas Sector.

The federal government has assured stakeholders in the oil sector that it would ensure that businesses in the oil and gas sector of the economy continue to thrive without being hindered. 

This was the assertion of the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri on Monday, 19th February, 2024, in Abuja at an engagement with leaders of various unions and associations in the downstream Petroleum industry. 

The meeting, according to a statement issued and signed by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa (Mrs.), Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, "was part of the government's efforts at resolving some of the concerns raised by the stakeholders in a letter to the Minister."

The statement revealed that the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), in acknowledging receipt of the letter, said; "Today, we have the opportunity to be able to address your concerns with a view to finding a common ground so that we can have a clear framework on how things should be done."

Lokpobiri stated that the government was ready to engage the stakeholders on issues in a bid to find solutions that would avert strike actions.

At the end of Monday's interface with the stakeholders, the Minister said the engagement would still continue on Tuesday, after which they would be able to let Nigerians know the outcome.

While applauding the stakeholders for demonstrating patriotism, Lokpobiri emphasized that the issues had nothing to do with the government but are basically commercial. 

He added that government had to intervene so that Nigerians would not suffer unduly.

Stakeholders at the meeting included members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).