YENAGOA — Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that reforms, policies and Executive Orders introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are strengthening asset security and improving the investment climate in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Lokpobiri stated this during the plenary session of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, themed “Securing the Future.”

According to the minister, the Federal Government has recorded progress in safeguarding critical oil assets and pipeline infrastructure through coordinated efforts involving government agencies, security institutions, private security operators and other stakeholders.

He explained that the administration has adopted a comprehensive security framework that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address threats to oil production and infrastructure.

Lokpobiri said the strategy has strengthened surveillance, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced rapid response capabilities and contributed to a reduction in incidents of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The minister stressed that the protection of national assets requires collective responsibility, noting that host communities have a vital role to play in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure.

He observed that disruptions arising from vandalism and crude oil theft have negative consequences for the Federal Government, producing states, operating companies and host communities.

According to him, effective collaboration among stakeholders remains essential to securing energy infrastructure and sustaining production.

Lokpobiri further disclosed that the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)-enabled systems, improved surveillance mechanisms, infrastructure rehabilitation and ongoing regulatory reforms, has contributed to greater operational stability within the sector.

He said the administration’s focus on security, transparency and regulatory reforms is helping to position Nigeria as a more competitive destination for energy investments.

The minister added that the reforms are supporting efforts to increase production, improve revenue generation and unlock the full potential of the country’s petroleum resources.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting critical national assets while maintaining a business-friendly environment that encourages long-term investment and growth in the oil and gas industry.