News Power

FG pledges to sustain incentives as Chevron vows continued investment

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining investment-friendly policies in the oil and gas sector, pledging measures to keep Nigeria competitive in the global energy market.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, gave the assurance during an inspection of the Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) facility operated under the NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited joint venture in Delta State.

Lokpobiri said the administration is focused on boosting production through sustained capital inflows, stressing that viable oil blocks should not remain dormant.

“Where you are not ready to develop, it’s better to farm out to partners rather than wait decades,” he said, adding that the government is considering enforcing the “drill or drop” provision in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure optimal asset utilization.

Chevron Nigeria Limited’s General Manager for the joint venture, Segun Kuteyi, said the company is increasing investments to monetise existing resources, describing the minister’s visit as a strong signal of the administration’s seriousness about collaboration.

Also speaking, Chevron Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Schwartz, said government backing and the PIA have been instrumental in sustaining the company’s interest in Nigeria.
“We have a lot of resources we still want to develop here that will enable production growth,” he said.

The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, which has faced production challenges in recent years despite its vast reserves.

Industry Manufacturing News

‘How Nigeria can leverage $4.2b African lubricant market’

Group Chairman of Oilden Energies, Oluwatoni Oladiran, has disclosed that Nigeria can maximise opportunities in the continent’s lubricants market, currently valued at $4.2 billion.

Addressing journalists on the forthcoming product launch and subsidiary unveiling in Lagos, he disclosed that Nigeria alone accounts for over 600 million litres in yearly lubricant consumption.

He observed that globally, the top 30 suppliers collectively account for over 70 per cent of global production capacity, adding that their goal is to take a rightful place among them.

While saying Oilden Energies is proudly 100 per cent Nigerian-owned, he added that the mission is to deliver petroleum services of the highest quality, onshore and offshore, and provide world-class products at competitive prices for domestic and international markets.

He stated: “So far, we are making measurable strides towards this goal. Our state-of-the-art lubricant plant currently produces over 40,000 metric tonnes yearly when working at full capacity, meeting 25 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial grease and lubricant demand. By 2028, we are on track to expand capacity to 60,000 metric tonnes, enabling us to capture 67 per cent of the domestic market while deepening our footprint across West and Central Africa.”

The growth, he explained, is powered by innovation, rigorous quality control, and a motivated workforce of highly skilled professionals dedicated to excellence. Oladiran said that every facility they run, every product they release, and every piece of equipment they deploy is designed to meet or exceed API, ISO, and NLGI world-class standards.

To him, one of the firm’s strongest value propositions is price and supply stability. He said that through robust local production and an integrated supply chain, they shield their clients from unpredictable dollar exchange rate fluctuations. Newspaper subscription bundles

News Power

Energy Centre applauds Komolafe as NUPRC records N5.21tr revenue in Q1 2025

The Energy Policy Advancement Centre (EPAC) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for generating N5.21 trillion in the first half of 2025, describing it as a clear demonstration of strategic revenue management in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, EPAC said the mid-year performance under the leadership of NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, shows what is possible when regulation is matched with foresight, accountability, and determination.

Figures from the commission’s latest report to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) revealed that the January–June 2025 earnings represent 42.7 per cent of the record N12.2 trillion revenue achieved in the entire 2024 fiscal year. The inflows came from royalties, gas sales, flared gas penalties, and joint venture proceeds.

EPAC noted that NUPRC’s strong showing was achieved despite the volatility of the global oil market and domestic production challenges, adding that the performance strengthens the country’s fiscal position at a time of significant budgetary demands.

“NUPRC has shown that with deliberate strategies and a results-oriented approach, Nigeria can unlock more value from its upstream petroleum sector. This is not just about impressive figures—it is about building the confidence that our institutions can deliver on ambitious national targets,” he said.Newspaper subscription bundles

The report indicated that the commission’s earnings include N1.04 trillion from Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) joint venture and production sharing contract royalty receivables, alongside N315.93 billion from Project Gazelle receipts in January and March 2025.

It also highlighted that NNPCL’s JV royalty receivables from October 2022 to June 2025 amounted to N6.60 trillion, underscoring the cumulative effect of delayed remittances from oil companies.

Musa particularly applauded the NUPRC’s debt recovery drive, which yielded \$459,226 from outstanding obligations—part of a cumulative \$1.436 billion owed from crude oil lifting contracts. This recovery, he said, was a product of rigorous reconciliation processes between NNPCL and FAAC, overseen by the Technical Sub-Committee of the Alignment Committee on the Reconciliation of Indebtedness.

For 2025, the Federal Government has tasked the commission with raising N15 trillion to fund national expenditure. EPAC said that while the mid-year figure of N5.21 trillion represents 34.7 per cent of this target, the pace of achievement so far—combined with strategic arrears recovery and potential production boosts—suggests that the goal remains within reach.

Musa stressed that what sets the current performance apart is not only the quantum of revenue but also the discipline with which it is being pursued. He said the commission’s approach to expanding its revenue base while maintaining transparency should serve as a model for other public institutions.

“NUPRC has moved beyond passive regulation to active value generation. This is the kind of institutional energy Nigeria needs—one that does not see targets as threats but as opportunities to innovate and excel,” he said. Newspaper subscription bundles

EPAC urged oil companies and relevant agencies to align with the commission’s momentum by ensuring timely payments, compliance with regulations, and support for upstream investments that can further raise output and earnings.

“We are in an era where every revenue stream matters. With the right cooperation, there is no reason the N15 trillion target cannot be met or even surpassed. The NUPRC has set the tone; it is now up to all stakeholders to match that commitment,” he said.

The Energy Policy Advancement Centre emphasised that the commission’s mid-year achievement should serve as a reminder of the critical role upstream petroleum revenues play in Nigeria’s economic stability, and why sustained reforms in the sector must remain a national priority.

News Power

Gas-centric transition strategy to curb flaring by 2030 – NUPRC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says its gas-centric transition strategy aims to eliminate routine flaring by 2030 and reduce methane by 60 per cent by 2031.

The commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, made this known on Wednesday at the ongoing 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week conference 2025.

In his keynote address at a strategic session titled “Positioning Nigeria’s Upstream Oil and Gas for Energy Security, Sustainability and Economic Resilience,” Komolafe said the strategy would monetise vast gas reserves, creating thousands of green jobs in the process.

He revealed that the strategy was supported by initiatives such as the Decade of Gas, the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative.

“Nigeria is building Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) capacity, deploying floating infrastructure, and leading cross-border pipeline development to fuel not only its own economy, but Africa’s industrial renaissance.
.
“Further anchoring this ambition is Nigeria’s Upstream Decarbonisation Framework, which integrates emissions tracking, MRV systems, carbon capture, and climate finance access through carbon markets.

“These aren’t just policies; they are opportunities for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth,” he said.

He recalled that in March 2025, it inaugurated the Decarbonisation and Energy Sustainability Forum and formally declared March 18 as Nigeria’s Upstream Decarbonisation Day.

He said the annual event would serve as a rallying point for stakeholders to track progress, share knowledge, and accelerate climate-aligned development.

“Interestingly, we are enabling emissions reductions to become revenue streams through a new ecosystem of carbon services, including monitoring, consulting, tech deployment, while maintaining high environmental and asset integrity,” Komolafe added.

News Power Production

VP Shettima urges Vitol Group to back $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday met with executives of the Vitol Group at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he called on investors to tap into Nigeria’s vast gas sector potential.

He disclosed that the Federal Government is actively advancing the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, designed to supply natural gas to Europe.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, which have positioned Nigeria as a key investment hub in the global energy market.

“In the past 25 years, we haven’t had a leader as courageous as President Tinubu—he removed fuel subsidies, unified exchange rates, and initiated tax reforms,” Shettima said in a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha on Monday.

He urged global investors to support Nigeria’s energy transition, describing the gas sector as a model of stability and transparency.

The Vice President said, “I will urge you to key into our nation’s energy transition programme. I want you to utilise your dominance in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Associated Petroleum Gas (APG) sub-sectors. The world is changing, and ours is actually a gas and not an oil economy. We have the eighth-largest gas reserve in the world. We really want to harness the potential in the gas sector fundamentally because of the stability and transparency in that arena.

“The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has been largely insulated from government interference. What we are getting from the NLNG is so predictable. This is why we are seriously exploring the option of taking our gas to Europe.”

The Vice President emphasized that the government is seeking not just capital, but also technical expertise for the project.

“We urge you to use your influence, contacts, and goodwill to mobilise resources for this project. It will be a completely transparent management structure. I will urge you to come on board with this project,” VP Shettima said, he told the Vitol delegation.

Vitol Group pledges continuous collaboration with Nigeria
In response, Vitol Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey Dellapina, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria.

“We do want to maintain an understanding that Vitol is committed, and we are always available to deploy capital when needed. We want to say that Vitol is committed to this country, and we want to stay in this country and evolve with you,” Dellapina said.

Also speaking, Murtala Baloni, Vitol’s Head of Public Affairs, highlighted the firm’s ongoing collaboration with Nigerian entities. He noted Vitol’s role as a key financier of Project Gazelle—a crude oil-backed forward-sale facility by the NNPC Limited—where it contributed $300 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What you should know
In June 2018, Nigeria and Morocco signed three agreements, which includes the Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) that will see Nigeria providing gas to countries in the West Africa sub-region that extend to Morocco and Europe

The line will pass through 15 African countries, boosting trade, development, and access to electricity in the region.
In Phase One, it will link Morocco to gas fields near Senegal and Mauritania, and connect Ghana to the Ivory Coast.
Phase Two will link Nigeria to Ghana, while Phase Three will connect the Ivory Coast to Senegal.
Morocco and Nigeria have set up a joint venture to manage the project.
At about 5,660km long, the pipeline is designed to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria and encourage diversification of energy resources in the country, while cutting down poverty through the creation of more job opportunities.

News

Dangote names road to its mega petroleum refinery after President Tinubu

The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the road leading to the state-of-the-art Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will be named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of his contribution to the project.

Dangote hailed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the private sector and credited him as the visionary behind the Free Trade Zone during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Dangote made the announcement during President Tinubu’s tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, which coincided with the official commissioning of the Deep Sea Port Access Road on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

This strategic road links the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Free Trade Zone, and the Dangote Refinery to the Sagamu–Benin Expressway via Ijebu Ode.

Dangote told the President, “The Dangote refinery complex is, in many ways, your brainchild. Mr President, let me just say one thing — the main road leading into our refinery is now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road.”

Following the announcement, President Tinubu rose to shake hands with Dangote in a moment that drew applause from the dignitaries in attendance.

Dangote spending N900 billion on road projects
Dangote also revealed that, despite paying N450 billion in taxes last year, the Group is committed to spending N900 billion on road infrastructure across Nigeria. He said the Deep Sea Port Access Road is one of several roads built and being developed by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme.

The Dangote Group is currently the highest tax-paying company in Nigeria, contributing more in taxes than all the country’s banks combined.
According to Dangote, the Deep Sea Port Access Road is one of eight major road projects totalling 500 kilometres, including two in Borno State that will eventually link Nigeria to both Chad and Cameroon.
He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a courageous leader whose administration has revived investor confidence in the private sector.
Dangote thanked the President for envisioning and implementing the Lekki Deep Sea Port project and assured him of the private sector’s support for expanding infrastructure nationwide.

Tinubu hails Dangote Refinery
Commissioning the concrete road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, President Tinubu hailed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a “remarkable achievement,” calling it “a great point of reference, a phenomenal project of our time, and a massive investment” that exemplifies Nigeria’s potential for industrial and economic transformation.

President Tinubu said, “Having inspected the Dangote refinery, which is a great point of reference, a great phenomenon of our time and a massive investment, I want to thank Aliko Dangote. I am happy that the Deep Sea Port I initiated as Governor of Lagos State is a huge success today. Users save vast amounts of money using this port because they no longer need to trans-ship their goods. I commend the quality of the access road done by Messrs Dangote Industries Limited on our Tax Credit Road programme and the subcontractor, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited.”

News

Energy security: Nigeria, Angola to lead Africa’s drive as refining capacity set to hit 90% – AFC

Nigeria and Angola are emerging as key players in Africa’s energy transformation, poised to lead the continent’s push for energy security as refining capacity is projected to rise significantly, reaching up to 90%.

This projection was made in the Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) newly-released report “State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025”.

The AFC stated, “If fully utilized, refining capacity could meet up to 90% of the continent’s fuel demand—compared to just 45% last year.”

“First, brownfield upgrades: over $16 billion is needed to modernize existing refineries, meet clean fuel standards, and reduce reliance on imports. Second, greenfield investment is key to meeting future demand, with Nigeria and Angola emerging as new continental hubs.”

Dangote Refinery crucial in leading the charge
According to the report, the key to achieving energy security is the state-of-the-art Dangote Refinery facility, which has a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

The state of the continent’s refining industry has left it heavily dependent on imports of petroleum products, which are still subsidized in several countries.

According to the report, “In 2023, 55% of Africa’s demand for petroleum products was met by imports. However, if refining capacity were fully utilized, this number could drop to only 10%. In that regard, the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, along with the gradual re-opening of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries in Nigeria (2024-2026) could significantly transform the continent’s fuel security landscape in the short term.”

The AFC noted further, stating “the sector’s growth is closely tied to the modernization of existing refineries in West and Central Africa, overcoming feedstock and financing challenges for new projects, and addressing critical infrastructure bottlenecks in transportation and distribution networks.

“To achieve fuel security and meet the continent’s increasing demand, Africa must prioritize investment in refinery upgrades, develop efficient distribution systems—including pipelines, railways, and diversified port infrastructure. As new energy infrastructure is built, it must also be resilient and capable of supporting future energy transitions. The successful integration of these elements will be crucial for achieving long-term fuel security and energy independence across the continent,” AFC stated.

What you should know
In May 2023, Africa’s largest oil refinery, the Dangote Refinery, was commissioned in Nigeria, with hopes that it would help alleviate the country’s chronic fuel shortages.

On Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing it as a “great point of reference, a great phenomenon of our time, and a massive investment” that showcases Nigeria’s capacity for industrial greatness and economic transformation.

The President thanked the owner, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his interest in developing the country through continuous investments.

News Power

NNPC Gas Limited set to acquire 5.2 million standard cubic feet per day CNG facility

NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), is set to acquire a 5.2 million standard cubic feet per day Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compression and refuelling facility from Gas Network Services Limited (GNSL).

This development, disclosed in a merger and acquisition notice issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), marks a significant move towards expanding Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure and improving access to cleaner energy alternatives.

GNSL, the current operator of the facility, specializes in providing virtual pipeline solutions by compressing natural gas and delivering it to industrial and commercial customers via mobile tube trailers.

The facility also includes dispensing points for refuelling natural gas vehicles (NGVs), catering primarily to clients outside the reach of traditional pipeline networks.

A boost for the government’s CNG initiative
By acquiring the facility, NGML aims to bolster its role in the marketing and distribution of natural gas across Nigeria.

The transaction is expected to strengthen the CNG market by increasing infrastructure capacity, making CNG more accessible and affordable, particularly for the transport and commercial sectors.
The acquisition aligns closely with the objectives of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNG Initiative), launched in August 2023.

The Initiative was introduced to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and reduce energy costs nationwide by promoting the adoption of CNG as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to traditional fuels.
NGML’s move is seen as a strategic step towards accelerating the rollout of CNG infrastructure across the country, supporting national efforts to foster a more sustainable and cost-effective energy landscape.
The FCCPC noted that the transaction could have a significant impact on the competitive dynamics of the CNG market, but ultimately promises to benefit consumers through expanded access to cleaner energy solutions.

What you should know
As part of government’s efforts to boost the country’s CNG capacity, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and LNG Arete Ltd. recently signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a $27.3 million gas plant project aimed at expanding compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure across Northern Nigeria.

The is aimed at addressing the region’s long-standing energy challenges, particularly in the transportation and industrial sectors, which have struggled with limited access to reliable and affordable energy.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu established the P-CNGi in August 2023 to revolutionize the transportation landscape in the country, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles.

The initiative is also expected to boost local manufacturing and assembly of conversion kits while creating jobs for the country’s populace.

News Production

Katsina spends N3.8 billion on solar power projects for Government House, others

The Katsina State Government has spent a total of N3.8 billion on various electricity-related infrastructure projects, with a major focus on renewable energy, particularly solar power, across the state.

This was disclosed by Malam Faruq Lawal-Jobe, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, while speaking to journalists in Katsina on the achievements of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration in the energy and infrastructure sectors, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Lawal-Jobe noted that one of the major projects under the renewable energy initiative is the deployment of solar mini-grids to critical government institutions, including the General Hospital Katsina, the Government House, and the State Secretariat Complex, at a combined cost of N3.8 billion.

“In an effort to provide a sustainable power solution to critical facilities of government, viable mini-grid solar-powered projects are ongoing at General Hospital Katsina, Government House, and the State Secretariat Complex at the cost of N3.8 billion,” he said.

Street Lighting and Urban Electrification
The Deputy Governor further disclosed that the administration has invested significantly in solar street lighting projects to enhance security and public infrastructure. These include the installation of 74 kilometers of solar street lights within Katsina metropolis and an additional 11 kilometers from Al-Qalam University Roundabout to Darma Rice Mill.

He added that the government is also rehabilitating and expanding the conventional power grid infrastructure in various communities across the state. These efforts include:

Supply and installation of new transformers
Laying of electric cables and routine maintenance
Change of power supply routes in areas such as Yan Albasa, Eka, and Kadandani to Kuraye, covering 17 kilometers, aimed at restoring electricity in Charanchi Local Government Area
Security and Restoration Projects
To enhance public safety, the state has also constructed a Japarana Concrete Technology structure for protecting security lighting systems within the Median Strips of Ring Road Phase I ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Katsina metropolis.

The government has also undertaken the repairs of vandalized high-tension lines, particularly along the eight-kilometer stretch from Iyatawa to Remawa, restoring power supply to Iyatawa ward in Rimi Local Government Area.
Lawal-Jobe announced that the government has awarded a contract for the digital mapping of power lines and GPS-based tracking of all line materials and transformers procured under the administration.
In addition, the government has replaced 33KV breakers and accessories at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, enabling full restoration of power to the tertiary institution.
The Deputy Governor affirmed that Governor Radda’s administration is deeply committed to expanding access to electricity, especially in rural communities, to boost economic activities, improve security, and elevate the standard of living for residents of the state.

News

Nigeria’s oil and gas industry faces rising data breach risks – New report warns

A new legal research paper has raised alarm over the increasing exposure of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to data breaches and cybersecurity threats, warning that poor data governance could jeopardize the country’s most strategic economic sector.

The paper, authored by data protection lawyer and privacy expert Lynda Ugo Ezike (CIPP/C), argues that the digitization of Nigeria’s oil and gas operations has opened the sector to a wave of cyberattacks, surveillance risks, and legal liabilities tied to the misuse or unauthorized access to personal and sensitive data.

Published under the title “The Significance of Data Protection and Information Security in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Legal Considerations,” the report explores how oil and gas companies in Nigeria, while adopting emerging technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and IoT, are falling short of the data protection responsibilities imposed by Nigerian law.

“Nigeria’s oil and gas companies are now classified as data controllers and processors of major importance under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. This means they face stricter regulatory obligations, and failure to comply could attract fines of up to N10 million or 2% of their annual gross revenue,” Ezike wrote in the paper.

Critical infrastructure, digital vulnerability
With the sector contributing significantly to government revenue, exports, and GDP, the report warns that any data breach or cybersecurity incident can have devastating ripple effects across the economy.

Referencing a 2021 cyberattack on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where hackers reportedly encrypted sensitive operational data and demanded a ransom, the paper illustrates how vulnerable Nigeria’s energy assets have become.

Legal gaps and compliance failures
While Nigeria has made strides with the enactment of the NDPA and the creation of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the paper notes that existing oil and gas regulations—particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021—only cover customer data, leaving out other important categories such as employees, contractors, and host communities.

“The PIA references data protection in Section 164, but its scope is limited to customer information in midstream and downstream operations,” Ezike explains. “This leaves a gap for upstream activities and broader data subject categories.”

The report calls for sector-specific data protection regulations, arguing that a one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the operational complexities and data sensitivity levels across upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.

Key risk areas in the industry
The report outlines eight areas in which oil and gas companies are most vulnerable to data breaches and legal liabilities. These include:

Human resources (handling biometric and health records)
Third-party contractors and cloud vendors
Customer payment and financial data
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) systems
Transborder data transfers
Surveillance systems (CCTV and drone footage)
Visitor management systems
Company websites and cookie tracking tools
Each of these areas, according to the paper, involve the collection, storage, processing, or transfer of personal data—activities which are now legally regulated under the NDPA.

Recommendations for the industry
To avert major data protection failures, the report recommends several compliance and governance strategies, including:

The development of industry-specific data protection guidelines in partnership with the NDPC
Adoption of third-party data processing agreements with vendors and contractors
Staff training on data privacy rights and breach protocols
Implementation of annual data audits, privacy impact assessments, and use of privacy-enhancing technologies
Certification through recognized schemes such as ISO 27701 or BBBOnline
The report also emphasizes the importance of having incident response plans and designating Data Protection Officers to oversee compliance within oil and gas firms.

Why it matters
The push for stronger data protection comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to deepen investor confidence in its oil and gas sector amid global shifts in energy investment.

With digitization now central to exploration, refining, logistics, and payments, a major breach could affect everything from fuel supply chains to international financing deals.

“The everyday existence of Nigerians is powered by the oil and gas sector, and any malicious cyber intrusion can cause serious economic and social disruption,” Ezike warns.

The NDPC has also stepped-up enforcement in 2025, signaling that non-compliance will no longer be treated lightly.

As Nigeria positions itself as Africa’s largest oil producer and a digital leader in energy innovation, experts say protecting data in the sector will be just as important as securing the pipelines.