List Of All Ministers Of State For (Oil) Petroleum Resources In Nigeria (2023-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria is responsible for managing the country’s oil and gas resources.
However, the ministry was established in 1975, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon, initially as the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.
It was later renamed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Before its establishment, petroleum matters were handled by the Hydrocarbon Section of the Ministry of Lagos Affairs, which reported to the Governor-General.
This unit kept records on exploration, managed the importation of petroleum products, and enforced safety regulations.
As the petroleum industry grew, the unit was upgraded to a Petroleum Division within the Ministry of Mines and Power.
In 1971, the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC) was created to manage commercial activities in the oil sector, but the Department of Petroleum Resources continued to oversee the industry.
The ministry has undergone several changes over the years, including a re-establishment in 1985. Today, it is led by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is also the Minister of Petroleum.
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Ministers Of State (Oil) Petroleum Resources In Nigeria
Minister | Term | Political Party |
---|---|---|
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri | 2023-Present | APC |
Who Is The Current Minister Of State (Oil) Petroleum Resources In Nigeria?
Heineken Lokpobiri is the current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) in Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023. Lokpobiri is an important figure in Nigeria’s oil sector. Heineken Lokpobiri was born in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
He focused on academic achievement from a young age, eventually pursuing a career in law. Lokpobiri obtained his law degree and became a legal practitioner.
Anyway, Lokpobiri’s political career began in 1999 when he was elected to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. He served as the Speaker of the House from June 1999 to May 2001.
In 2007, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Bayelsa West constituency. During his time in the Senate, he was involved in different committees, including those on Sports, Public Accounts, and Niger Delta Affairs.
Before his current role, Lokpobiri served as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Lokpobiri is focused on addressing critical issues in the oil sector, and one of his main priorities is fighting crude oil theft, which has been a major problem in Nigeria.
He is also working to attract more investment in oil production to enhance the country’s oil output. Improving the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources is another important goal for Lokpobiri.
Lokpobiri’s leadership is expected to bring positive changes to the oil sector, which is essential for Nigeria’s economy.