By Joy Onu
Nigeria is intensifying efforts to attract new investments into its offshore oil and gas sector as part of broader reforms aimed at boosting production and strengthening the economy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued by Mary Ali (Mrs), Head, Press and Public Relations, the development was highlighted following a meeting on Thursday in Abuja, where the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, hosted the new Chairman, Managing Director and Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Jagir Baxi, alongside executives of Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and its Offshore East subsidiary.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria has significant untapped potential in oil exploration and production, stressing that stronger investment inflows and global partnerships remain critical to achieving higher output levels.
He noted that government policies are being refined to deepen investor confidence, particularly in offshore and deep-water operations, which remain central to the country’s energy expansion plans.
The Minister maintained that Nigeria is capable of achieving higher production levels than currently being recorded, adding that ongoing reforms are designed to support long-term sector growth.
He assured ExxonMobil of continued government support, stating that agencies under the Ministry of Interior would work to maintain a stable and secure operating environment for investors across the country.
Tunji-Ojo also commended ExxonMobil for its longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, noting that the company’s investments remain significant to national revenue and energy development.
In his remarks, Mr. Jagir Baxi commended the reform-driven efforts of the Federal Government, particularly in strengthening internal security, immigration services, emergency response systems, and correctional administration, while reaffirming ExxonMobil’s continued confidence in Nigeria as a key investment destination.
