By Kehinde Erin
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for enhanced cooperation between state and federal authorities to boost investment in the oil sector, in light of the Federal Government ‘s reaffirmation of Kogi as an oil-producing State.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, it was revealed that during a working visit to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in Abuja recently, Governor Ododo highlighted the need to foster a favorable environment for investors to leverage Kogi’s oil potential.
He reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to collaborate with federal initiatives to boost oil exploration, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to develop frontier basins throughout Nigeria.
Governor Ododo remarked: “Our administration is committed to making Kogi a center for oil exploration and production. We welcome partnerships that will boost investment and drive economic growth in our State.”
Senator Lokpobiri reiterated Kogi’s status as an oil-producing state and emphasised the Federal Government ‘s dedication to mobilising resources for the exploration of its significant oil reserves.
He pointed out that the Petroleum Industry Act mandates the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to explore frontier basins, reflecting a strategic emphasis on uncovering new oil discoveries.
The Minister commended Governor Ododo for his strong governance and proactive investment strategies, asserting that, “The Federal Government is committed to helping Kogi unlock its oil potential. Together, we can drive the investments needed for successful resource exploration.”
In 2022, Kogi State achieved a notable milestone when the Federal Government announced the discovery of oil in commercial quantities, positioning it as the first oil-producing state in Northern Nigeria. This development, has generated increased interest in the state’s economic potential, leading to calls for strategic partnerships to capitalise on its oil resources.
As Kogi aims to establish itself as a leader in Nigeria’s oil industry, the Governor’s visit highlights the significance of federal/state collaboration in tapping into the state’s economic potential and fostering sustainable development.
