By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a key strategy to drive economic growth and address critical infrastructure challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The commitment was emphasized during a Stakeholders’ Workshop on Public-Private Partnerships in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector, organized by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja on Thursday.

Ambassador Nicholas Agbo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, spoke at the event, which was themed ‘Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Concepts, Opportunities, and Challenges of PPP Initiatives.’

He highlighted the 2012 launch of the Public-Private Partnership Policy, which sought to tap into private sector expertise and resources to address the country’s infrastructure deficits.

Agbo explained that this collaboration between the public and private sectors had become critical as the government could no longer bear the full financial burden of necessary infrastructure development alone.

According to him, the policy framework encourages the private sector’s involvement in critical sectors such as energy and health, facilitating projects that can enhance economic productivity and improve Nigerians’ quality of life.

Agbo stressed that the PPP model continues to be a cornerstone of sustainable development and called for greater engagement from all stakeholders to optimize private sector contributions to national growth.

“The administration of private sector finances and expertise, in collaboration with government efforts, ensures the efficient delivery of critical projects. This synergy has been instrumental in enabling the development of vital sectors, including oil, gas,” he stated.

The workshop also explored innovative approaches to implementing PPPs, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy solutions, and fostering job creation through local content initiatives.

These discussions are aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for the oil and gas sector while addressing the evolving energy landscape.

Edet Asuquo, Technical Manager at Afric Energy and Infrastructure Ltd, expressed optimism about the potential of PPPs to transform the industry, describing the workshop as an essential ‘awakening’ for both the public and private sectors.

He emphasized that continued dialogue and collaboration were critical for addressing infrastructure challenges and ensuring sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.