Nigeria will never stop production of fossil fuels, says Lokpobiri

Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), says Nigeria will continue to produce fossil fuels.

Lokpobiri spoke on Tuesday at the 13th practical Nigerian content organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources which include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

At the event themed “Deepening the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” the minister said Nigeria has enough market for fossil fuels in Africa and should increase its production.

He added that no nation will stop the production of fossil fuels when there is still a global demand for it.

“All the nations that say we should stop the production of fossil fuel, we will never stop the production in Nigeria; no country in the world will stop it,” he said.

“Just in 2023, the United Kingdom contributed 4.8 percent of global emissions, higher than the entire OPEC countries put together. The entire African continent together contributes about three percent, but the UK contributes 4.8 percent and gave over 100 licences to new companies for new exploration.

“America is the highest producer of fossil fuels, so why should we stop? Those who are telling us to stop are themselves not stopping, so we should know that it is about politics.

“Let me also use this opportunity to challenge the industry that with the emergence of Trump, the price of oil may be battered. What I want us to do is to increase our production.

“Africa already has enough market, we can produce enough fuel to supply the West African region and the entire Africa, but our biggest challenge has to do with funding.”

On his part, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the deputy governor of Bayelsa, urged the board to focus on “building resilient and sustainable frameworks that enable communities to participate in emerging sectors, particularly the digital economy”.

“Leveraging technology and empowering local talent will create a vibrant ecosystem that promotes creativity, entrepreneurship and sustainable development,” he said.

“Bayelsa remains steadfast in its collaboration with the NCDMB and other credible partners across various sectors such as energy, agriculture, healthcare and tourism which align with the state’s ASSURED Prosperity Agenda.

“Together, we can redefine the landscape of Nigerian content implementation.”

Ewhrudjakpo said by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and strategic partnerships, Nigeria can unlock new frontiers for growth and sustainable development.