Lokpobiri backs Trump’s return, criticizes “hypocritical” global energy transition agenda
Oredola Adeola
The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has honoured Mr. Jim Swartz of Chevron with the 2025 IOC Industry Leadership Award, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe of NUPRC with the 2025 Regulator Leadership Award, and Aradel Holdings PLC with the 2025 PETAN Capacity Development Award.
The recognitions were the highlight of PETAN’s annual Industry Awards held on Tuesday at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2025 in Houston, Texas, celebrating distinguished Nigerian industry leaders for their outstanding contributions to the oil and gas sector.
The awards ceremony also recognized Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), was presented with the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award, while the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award went to First Marine and Engineering Services Limited (FMES).
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), and Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), were both honoured with 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards for their roles in promoting gas development and local content.
The awards formed a key highlight of OTC 2025, which officially kicked off on Monday, May 5, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Nigerian Pavilion, hosted by PETAN.
The ceremony drew the presence of top Nigerian officials and industry stakeholders, including Senator Lokpobiri, Minister Ekpo, Engr. Ogbe, and several international delegates.
During the opening of the Nigerian Pavilion, Senator Lokpobiri emphasized the need for African nations to collaborate in addressing the continent’s energy challenges.
He called for a united front to tackle energy poverty, urging the development of cohesive, Africa-specific energy policies.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Africa’s Energy Renaissance: Leveraging Innovation and Natural Gas for Sustainable Development,” Lokpobiri said regional cooperation would allow African nations to invest in large-scale energy projects, reduce costs, and share best practices and technologies to accelerate progress.
“This conference is not a jamboree,” Lokpobiri stated. “It is a platform for Nigeria—and by extension, Africa—to showcase its vast potential.”
The Minister also voiced support for the return of President Donald Trump of U.S., suggesting it could help counter what he described as the “hypocritical” global energy transition narrative that has disadvantaged Africa.
He further revealed that the Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), in partnership with Afrexim Bank, is working to operationalize the African Energy Bank, which will launch this quarter with over $19 billion in funding to bridge financing gaps for African energy projects.
Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of PETAN, reiterated PETAN’s commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s potential. He said OTC 2025 provides a vital platform to attract investment, foster global partnerships, and build capacity across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
“PETAN’s consistent participation in OTC over the years has significantly contributed to the development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry,” Ogunsanya noted.
He recalled how the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) entrusted PETAN with coordinating the country’s activities at OTC over two decades ago.
