Edo State Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Hon. Felix Isere, Esq Engages NNPC E&P Limited Leadership to Seek Collaboration in Advancing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Oil and Gas Vision

 

In a strategic move to strengthen collaboration and drive sustainable development in Edo State’s oil and gas sector, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, early this year visited the Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd.) at the company’s headquarters on Ogba Road, Benin City, in January 2025.

The visit provided an opportunity to align NNPC E&P Ltd. with the Edo State Government’s strategic vision for the oil and gas sector, as championed by Governor Monday Okpebholo. During the meeting, Mr. Isere outlined Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration’s key priorities for the sector, which include:

1. Strengthening State-Owned Oil and Gas Institutions – Enhancing the capacity and efficiency of government institutions to ensure effective governance and resource management.

2. Infrastructure Development in Oil-Producing Areas – Expanding critical infrastructure to improve the quality of life in host communities and ensure they benefit directly from oil and gas operations.

3. Full Compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) – Ensuring strict adherence to regulatory frameworks to maximize benefits for Edo State and its people.

4. Local Content Development, Gas Utilization, and Economic Empowerment – Promoting indigenous participation in the oil and gas value chain, optimizing gas resources for industrial and domestic use, and driving job creation.

5. Environmental Sustainability and Safety – Implementing policies that protect the environment, mitigate the impact of oil exploration, and promote safe industry practices.

6. Revenue Optimization and Transparency – Strengthening accountability and transparency mechanisms to ensure the efficient management of oil and gas revenues.

7. Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement – Enhancing relationships between oil companies and host communities to foster peace, stability, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Managing Director of NNPC E&P Ltd. welcomed the visit and commended the Edo State Government’s proactive approach to the sector. He assured Mr. Isere of the company’s commitment to working collaboratively with the state government to achieve these shared objectives.

Also present at the meeting was Mr. Isokariari Telema, Executive Director, Business Services of the company who reiterated the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring the sustainable development of the oil and gas sector in Edo State.

This engagement marks a significant milestone in the Edo State Government’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration with key industry stakeholders to maximize the sector’s potential for economic growth, infrastructural development, and community empowerment.