Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria is intensifying efforts to scale crude oil and gas production, with regulators pushing for stronger alignment of technology, capital, and policy to unlock investment and operational efficiency in the petroleum sector.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Saidu A. Mohammed, said achieving the country’s ambitious production targets will depend on coordinated industry-wide reforms.
Speaking at the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum 2026 in Abuja, Mohammed stated that Nigeria is targeting 3 million barrels per day of crude oil production alongside 22 billion cubic feet per day under its “Decade of Gas” initiative.
“Attaining these targets requires adequate financing, efficient technological systems and robust policy frameworks capable of attracting and sustaining investments in the sector,” he said.
He disclosed that the Authority is set to roll out a new initiative, Project NEXUS, aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness and accelerating gas development.
According to him, the initiative will also position Nigeria as a leading energy hub in Africa.
Mohammed stressed that increased investment in critical infrastructure, adoption of advanced technologies, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders are essential to delivering on the country’s production ambitions.
The forum also featured key industry leaders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo; the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; and Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
Industry stakeholders note that aligning regulatory frameworks with investment flows will be critical to sustaining production growth and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.
