IPPG seeks bold reforms to unlock Nigeria’s oil, gas value chain

By Ambrose Nnaji

The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has called for a new wave of policy and regulatory reforms to accelerate investment, deepen value addition and transform Nigeria’s oil and gas industry into a globally competitive driver of industrialisation and economic growth.

Speaking at the 25th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja, IPPG Chairman, Adegbite Falade, said recent government reforms have helped restore investor confidence, increase crude oil production and attract significant upstream investment, demonstrating the benefits of collaboration between government, regulators and industry operators.

He, however, argued that sustaining the sector’s momentum would require greater investment in critical infrastructure, faster development of Nigeria’s vast gas resources and stronger integration across the energy value chain to maximise economic returns.

According to Falade, recent geopolitical disruptions in global energy markets have highlighted the importance of building sufficient production, processing and export capacity to enable countries to take advantage of emerging market opportunities.

“Our ambition must extend beyond producing more barrels. Success should be measured by the industries we build, the jobs we create, the value we retain and the prosperity we deliver for Nigerians,” he said.

Falade urged policymakers to create a more competitive operating environment by harmonising multiple taxes and levies across the industry, sustaining investment in infrastructure and human capital, and reviewing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to reflect evolving market realities while consolidating ongoing reforms.

“As we celebrate 25 years of NOG Energy Week, this must be the moment Nigeria moves decisively from extraction to value creation. The future belongs to those who invest early, reform boldly and collaborate effectively,” he said.

The IPPG chairman reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working with government, regulators and other industry stakeholders to build a resilient, investment-friendly energy sector capable of supporting long-term economic growth, energy security and industrial development.

The group’s recommendations come amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to increase hydrocarbon production, attract fresh capital into the upstream sector and leverage Nigeria’s oil and gas resources to drive broader economic diversification.