Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and others during a visit to Chevron Headquarters in San Ramon, California, United States.
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has emphasised the need for Chevron Nigeria Limited to support local manufacturers producing made-in-Nigeria goods.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made the call on Wednesday during a visit to the company’s Headquarters in San Ramon, California, United States.
The visit, led by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), EHeineken Lokpobiri, The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, aimed to strengthen collaboration and discuss key issues in the oil and gas sector.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr Israel Arogbonlo, stressed the importance of investing in Nigeria’s petrochemical sector, particularly in polypropylene production, as seen in Saudi Arabia.
She also urged Chevron to support in-country manufacturing of products and services, alongside human capacity development.
Chevron management, however, responded that the success of polypropylene production depends on the availability of cheap gas, which Nigeria’s economy of scale currently doesn’t favour, despite having an abundance of gas.
In his part, Engr. Komolafe emphasised the importance of effective regulation and stakeholder engagement in driving the sector’s progress.
The visit demonstrates the commitment of the NUPRC and the National Assembly to fostering a conducive environment for oil and gas operations in Nigeria.
Additionally, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to attend the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston from May 6 to May 9, 2024
