The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured its commitment to unlocking inactive and untapped energy assets as a major strategy to boost energy production.
Oil Minister, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, disclosed this during a visit to TotalEnergies’ Headquarters in Paris and their Research Institute in Pau, France.
Lokpobiri’s spokesperson, Nneamaka Okafor, quoted him to have said “Unlocking dormant fields is not optional – it is vital to our energy security and economic growth.”
She said the minister’s visit which was conducted at the invitation of TotalEnergies formed part of a broader engagement with operators and policy makers.
It comes as TotalEnergies prepares to unlock several assets, including blocks awarded in the most recent bid round as well as previously-held fields.
Lokpobiri stressed that President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear and unequivocal directive for all industry players.
In his words: “Mr. President has made it explicit, operators must reactivate dormant assets.”
As a policy maker and supervisor to regulatory bodies, the minister is actively supporting this national mission, the statement noted.
According to Lokpobiri, “We are driving this mission with every dedication required, and I am glad to see TotalEnergies taking the bold steps to unlocking their inactive and untapped assets.”
Lokpobiri, during the Pau visit, was briefed in the institute’s Smart Room and support centre, where state-of-the-art exploration and monitoring technologies were demonstrated.
Later, at TotalEnergies’ Paris headquarters, discussions focused on regulatory frameworks and operational support aimed at easing the company’s unlocking of selected assets.
Nicolas Terraz, Group President E&P, TotalEnergies, said that “We welcome Nigeria’s firm regulatory backing. Our commitment is to deploy our technical expertise and capital to restart production in these strategic assets.
“Our engagement today highlights a shared determination: boosting energy output for mutual benefit.”
The statement added that the Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that operators like TotalEnergies receive all necessary policy, financial, and technical facilitation, adding that the revitalization of inactive assets is central to Nigeria’s energy agenda – promoting job creation, strengthening revenue, and securing energy sovereignty.