Nigeria’s oil sector recorded notable progress in 2025, driven by policy reforms, fresh investments, and stronger local content participation, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Lokpobiri said government actions helped sustain activity across both upstream and downstream segments throughout the year.
“2025 was a win, and we are just getting started,” the minister said.
Reforms and Investment Activity
According to Lokpobiri, the oil and gas sector remained open to business throughout 2025. During the year, the government engaged investors, launched new projects, and strengthened partnerships across the value chain.
He said reforms introduced during the period supported higher production levels. In addition, the measures improved compliance with sector obligations and kept sustainability in focus.
“From upstream to downstream, Nigeria stayed open for business,” Lokpobiri said. “We engaged investors, launched new projects, strengthened partnerships, and deepened local content.”
Local Content and Value Retention
Lokpobiri said stronger in-country value retention delivered measurable results for the sector. He noted that deeper local content participation supported operational stability and project execution.
As a result, local firms played a more active role in oil and gas activities during the year.
“With strong in-country value retention, the oil sector delivered real results,” he said.
Outlook for 2026
The minister’s comments come amid growing expectations for sustained growth in 2026. This optimism persists despite Nigeria’s difficulty meeting its OPEC crude production quota.
Industry watchers say recent reforms and investment commitments could stabilise output if security and infrastructure challenges improve. Meanwhile, Lokpobiri said the groundwork laid in 2025 positions the sector for stronger performance.
“We are just getting started,” he added.