Boost Domestic Capacity: Tinubu Demands IOCs Prioritise Local Energy Companies

President Bola Tinubu has urged international oil companies operating in Nigeria to give competent Nigerian engineering and manufacturing firms greater opportunities to take part in major energy projects.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the  President’s bold economic reforms are laying a solid foundation for a stronger, more prosperous and economically resilient Nigeria.

Tinubu made the call while receiving the Founder and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, Leemon Ikpea, on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of the engagement in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu Backs Nigerian Engineering as Local Firm Builds Compressor Stations to Unlock Escravos–Lagos Pipeline’s 2.3 Billion Cubic Feet Daily Gas Capacity.’

Lee Engineering is carrying out the engineering, procurement and construction of two midline compressor stations in Edo State.

Onanuga said the stations were needed to raise operating pressure on the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System so that it could deliver at its full capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas a day.

The designed capacity of the pipeline was raised from 1.1 billion under the ELPS II expansion.

The statement said the project was expected to strengthen gas supply to power plants and industries along the corridor and increase supplies to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline, creating opportunities for additional export revenue.

He stated, “President Tinubu said Nigeria First must translate into more contracts for capable Nigerian firms, greater use of locally manufactured equipment and more skilled jobs for Nigerians.”

He encouraged international oil companies to build stronger partnerships with indigenous engineering companies that have demonstrated the capacity to deliver complex projects.

“He also pointed to his administration’s 2024 executive orders and presidential directives on local content compliance, contracting costs, and approval timelines as measures to attract investment, cut delays, and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses,” he stated.

Tinubu reaffirmed his determination to unlock Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, improve electricity supply, create jobs and boost export earnings.

He said his Nigeria First policy must translate into more contracts for capable Nigerian firms, greater use of locally manufactured equipment and more skilled jobs for Nigerians.

He encouraged the international oil companies to build stronger partnerships with indigenous engineering firms that had shown they could deliver complex projects.

Ikpea commended the policy and said Lee Engineering’s fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State, was making some components for the compressor stations.

He said the yard housed some of the most advanced fabrication equipment in the industry.

He noted that Nigerian companies had invested heavily in equipment, technology and skilled personnel and could now undertake complex projects previously handled by foreign contractors, keeping more jobs, expertise and economic value in the country.

Idris gave the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja when the National Convener of Women of Influence for Tinubu 2027, Hauwa Farouk Ibrahim, led a delegation of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry.

Idris commended the group for its commitment to grassroots mobilisation and public enlightenment, describing women as indispensable partners in advancing national development and deepening public understanding of government policies.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda is designed to take Nigeria to greater prosperity. The removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate were major decisions necessary to stabilise the country’s economy and reposition it for growth,” the Minister stated.

He explained that the reforms were deliberate and courageous decisions taken to address longstanding structural weaknesses in the economy, restore fiscal stability and create greater opportunities for sustainable development.

According to him, the reforms have increased resources available to the Federal Government, states and local governments to invest in critical infrastructure, essential services and other development priorities that directly affect the lives of Nigerians.

The Minister stressed that while the reforms required difficult adjustments, their long-term benefits would strengthen the country’s economic foundations and secure a better future for succeeding generations.

“It is very, very easy and convenient to forget where we are coming from. These were difficult decisions, but they were taken in the interest of our country and the prosperity of future generations,” Idris said.

He urged members of the organisation to intensify their engagement with Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots, by explaining the objectives of the administration’s policies, the circumstances that necessitated the reforms and the opportunities they are creating for national progress.

“We want you to please influence other Nigerians so that they can understand the policies of this administration and support government as it continues its drive towards repositioning our country,” he added.

Idris reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s commitment to sustained public enlightenment and constructive engagement with organisations working to deepen citizens’ understanding of government programmes and policies.

He welcomed the group’s interest in collaborating with the Ministry, accepted its request to serve as patron and pledged to designate a focal person to facilitate continued engagement with the organisation.

Earlier, the National Convener of Women of Influence for Tinubu 2027, Hauwa Farouk Ibrahim, said the organisation was established to harness the influence, leadership and mobilisation capacity of Nigerian women in promoting national development and building grassroots support for President Tinubu’s administration.

She disclosed that the group had commenced its activities in Kano State and was expanding its structures and outreach through digital platforms and community-based initiatives aimed at engaging women and other citizens across the country.

“We have the influence, we have the capacity to influence our homes and our communities, so we believe that with our influence, we can mobilise people to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ibrahim stated.

She expressed appreciation to the Minister for receiving the delegation and sought the Ministry’s collaboration in strengthening the organisation’s public engagement and enlightenment programmes.