The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has pledged the Federal Government’s collaboration with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, to support local refineries.
Lokpobiri made the pledge at the 2024 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja on Wednesday.
The three-day summit, the third edition of the association’s annual summit, has the theme “The Future of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Energy Mix, Energy Security, Artificial Intelligence, Divestment, and Crude Oil Theft. ”
He stated that the collaboration would increase oil production, ensure healthy competition and fairness to all in the oil and gas industry.
“Supporting local refineries will enhance domestic refining capacity, reduce dependency on imported refined products, and stimulate economic growth.
“The Federal Government remains determined to ensure that local refineries thrive by creating and promoting a conducive environment for potential investors.
“Having operational refineries within the country is crucial for our economic growth and energy security,” he said.
According to NAN, the minister, who described the summit’s theme as strategic and timely, called for collective efforts to build more investment in the industry and guarantee energy security.
