The Federal Government says it is taking decisive action to strengthen Nigeria’s local energy supply chain as a safeguard against growing global disruptions that continue to threaten cross-border energy stability.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, stressed that Nigeria can no longer afford to depend solely on international supply chains in the face of mounting global uncertainties.

“On the matter of supply chain, we recognise the multifaceted challenges – trade wars, sanctions, currency instability, regional conflicts, and security concerns.”

“These disruptions have affected the flow of goods and services across borders,” he said.

The oil minister added, “While we continue to engage internationally, we must also strengthen local capacity and resilience to mitigate future shocks.”

Lokpobiri explained that these efforts align with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s energy ecosystem and create greater opportunities for local stakeholders.

He noted that the Tinubu administration has implemented deliberate, investment-focused reforms aimed at making Nigeria a top destination for energy sector investment.

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, has pursued deliberate and investment-friendly policies aimed at positioning Nigeria as the leading destination of energy investors.

“The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act has brought about liberalisation of the national sector, improved wealth and mobility, and boosted investor confidence. Through that solid base, executive orders, and other strategic incentives, we are making Nigeria increasingly attractive to both local and international partners,” he said.

He noted that renewed investor confidence is reflected in “the growing number of engagements we are having with foreign governments and private sector leaders exploring mutually beneficial collaborations.”

To further strengthen Nigeria’s human capital and technical capacity in the energy sector, the Minister announced the establishment of a new postgraduate energy university in Kaduna, developed through strategic partnerships with three leading British universities.