The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has commended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for what it described as far-reaching reforms and achievements that are reshaping Nigeria’s energy sector.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of the 2025 ministerial performance assessment and signed by its President, Comrade Jethro Terhile Annum, the group praised the Minister’s contributions to consolidating Nigeria’s energy future in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the NYC, Senator Lokpobiri has played a leading role in resolving long-standing divestment issues involving major international oil companies by engaging regulators, host communities, and emerging indigenous operators. The group noted that these efforts resulted in seamless asset transfers without production disruptions, thereby improving competitiveness, safeguarding jobs, and boosting output.

The statement further credited the Minister with stabilising the oil and gas sector through clearer policy direction, effective coordination, and strengthened oversight. It said his tenure has been marked by improved inter-agency collaboration, respect for regulatory frameworks, and clarity in policy implementation, adding that the absence of major operational disruptions across the value chain during the period under review reflected his leadership.

NYC also highlighted the Minister’s role in securing a $5 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Bonga North Deep-Water project. According to the group, his engagements with Shell SPDC and partners helped unlock one of Nigeria’s largest offshore investments by addressing regulatory delays and aligning project objectives with national priorities. The project is expected to boost offshore production, create jobs, deepen local content participation, and increase Nigeria’s share in global deep-water oil development.

The youth organisation noted that Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen from about one million barrels per day to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day, including condensates, attributing the increase to collaboration with security agencies, operational reforms, and the resolution of regulatory disputes. It said the improved output has strengthened government revenue, enhanced foreign exchange inflows, and improved Nigeria’s capacity to meet production targets.

In addition, NYC said Senator Lokpobiri championed reforms that simplified licensing processes and introduced clearer regulatory timelines. The adoption of technology-driven systems, sustained stakeholder engagement, and more predictable approval processes were said to have reduced bottlenecks, increased investor confidence, and improved accountability in the sector.

The group also acknowledged efforts to restore investor confidence through policy consistency, contract stability, and regular dialogue with industry stakeholders, noting that these measures have created a more secure operating environment for both international and local investors.

NYC further attributed the relative stability in the supply of petroleum products nationwide to the Minister’s collaboration with NNPC Ltd., regulators, and marketers. According to the statement, consistent monitoring of the downstream sector has helped prevent fuel shortages, reduce smuggling, ensure nationwide availability, and maintain pricing stability, thereby boosting public confidence in the current administration.

The youth group concluded by passing a vote of confidence in Senator Lokpobiri and commending him for playing a key role in securing Nigeria as the host country for the Africa Energy Bank (AEB). It said the development positions Nigeria at the centre of Africa’s energy financing ecosystem and could attract significant capital for oil, gas, and renewable energy projects.

The Africa Energy Bank, a partnership between the African Export-Import Bank and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation, is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026 with a projected asset base of $120 billion, supporting Africa’s energy transition and financing needs.