The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has announced that the federal government has awarded contracts to ensure the full metering of Nigeria’s 187 oil flow stations, as well as to implement software for tracking the movement of Nigeria’s oil on the high seas.

Briefing journalists in his Abuja office, the minister explained that this move aims to remove any uncertainties about the quantity of oil Nigeria produces daily and to track crude oil to its destinations. He described the effort as a bold step by President Bola Tinubu to reorganise the oil and gas sector and ensure transparent accounting. The projects will cost $21 million.

“One of the key approvals by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday was awarding a contract for the metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC),” Lokpobiri said. “As part of our steps to ensure proper accountability, FEC approved the metering of all our production. This project is meant to be completed within six months, or 180 days.”

On the second issue of advanced cargo tracking, Lokpobiri pointed out that another memo was approved to provide technology within 180 days to enable Nigeria to monitor the loading of every cargo of crude oil up to the point of destination.

“We are awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within 180 days to enable us to know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil in Nigeria up to the point of destination,” the minister explained. “This means I can stay in my office and know when crude oil is taking off from Nigeria up to its final destination.”

According to Lokpobiri, the main benefit of this initiative is to boost Nigeria’s production and federation revenue. Increasing oil output is still the fastest way to raise the funding needed to address Nigeria’s economic and social problems. He also noted that investors’ confidence is gradually returning to Nigeria, with major announcements expected in the coming months.

Lokpobiri assured that President Bola Tinubu is creating an environment that is globally competitive, allowing businessmen to bring in funds and divest at any time. When major issues like consent for divestment arise, the minister will not hesitate to present them to the president for necessary action.

Regarding the controversial Malabu’s OML 245, Lokpobiri stated that although he didn’t want to join issues with the Abacha family, he asserted that every oil block belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria, which can invoke relevant laws at will. He emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving all issues surrounding OML 245 in the national strategic interest.

“If I were a member of the Abacha family, I wouldn’t even raise my head,” Lokpobiri said. “These oil blocks are federation assets, and the federal government will do everything legal to ensure that Nigerians benefit from them.”