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The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Gas, Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to optimizing national assets and significantly boosting oil and gas production.

Speaking at the 26th Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum, Ekpo emphasized that reaching ambitious production targets requires a deliberate convergence of digitalisation, capital investment, and robust policy frameworks.

This strategic alignment is designed to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive within the rapidly evolving global energy landscape while honoring the legacy of the nation’s first commercial oil discovery in 1956.

Central to this vision is the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence – AI, predictive analytics, and automation. Minister Ekpo highlighted that these digital tools are essential for improving operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing safety across the entire energy value chain.

By embracing modern, intelligent operations, the government aims to lower costs and streamline processes, moving away from outdated systems to realize the country’s full energy potential through sustainable and tech-driven integration.

On the regulatory front, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, underscored the need for significant capital to exceed the target of three million barrels of oil and 22 billion cubic feet of gas daily.

He noted that shifting global dynamics have positioned Africa as a primary destination for hydrocarbon investment. To capitalize on this, the Authority is set to launch “Project Nexus,” an initiative aimed at transforming regulatory processes through automation to align Nigerian operations with international best practices.

Furthermore, the government is prioritizing environmental sustainability alongside industrial growth. Through the Decade of Gas initiatives, Nigeria is focused on expanding infrastructure and boosting domestic gas utilization while simultaneously committing to ending gas flaring and reducing carbon emissions.

By fostering a unified network system and encouraging collaboration among operators, Nigeria aims to create a transparent, accountable, and high-output energy sector that can thrive amidst the global transition toward low-carbon technologies.