The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has been named “Reformer of the Year” at the African Energy Week (AEW) in recognition of his outstanding leadership and sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The honour highlights his efforts in restoring investor trust, revamping crude oil output, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive energy sector.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Nneamaka Okafor, the ministry described the award as a reflection of the minister’s results-driven leadership since assuming office. According to the statement, Nigeria’s crude oil production has increased from around one million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day under Lokpobiri’s leadership. The improvement, it said, followed strategic interventions that strengthened security in oil-producing areas, improved transparency across operations, streamlined regulatory processes, and encouraged active engagement with host communities.
Investor confidence, which had declined sharply before his appointment, has reportedly been restored through consistent policy direction and operational stability. The statement added that under Lokpobiri’s watch, the country has recorded new Final Investment Decisions (FIDs), reactivated dormant oil fields, and signed multiple investment deals and joint ventures that have attracted both local and international investors.
The reforms also prioritized stakeholder inclusiveness through the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trusts provided under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This move, the ministry explained, has empowered local communities, strengthened social license for operators, and promoted development across oil-producing regions.
Speaking after receiving the award, Senator Lokpobiri described the recognition as both humbling and inspiring, saying it reflects the collective effort of the ministry and industry players committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s oil sector. He emphasized that the achievement demonstrates how meaningful progress can be made when reforms are intentional, inclusive, and transparent.
“This award is a testament to the hard work of everyone in the sector who believes in change and progress. Reforming this industry is not a one-man task; it requires collaboration, vision, and integrity,” Lokpobiri said. He added that while significant progress has been made, the journey toward building a fully optimized, globally competitive, and environmentally responsible oil and gas industry is ongoing.
The minister also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and political will, which he credited as instrumental to the ministry’s achievements. He dedicated the award to the President, describing him as a leader whose support has been pivotal to driving reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The President’s guidance and commitment have been crucial in turning these ideas into results. I dedicate this award to him and to every Nigerian who believes in our vision for a better, stronger energy sector,” Lokpobiri said.
The “Reformer of the Year” award further cements Nigeria’s growing reputation in the global energy community and underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient, transparent, and investor-friendly petroleum industry capable of driving national growth and sustainable development.
