Reuben Abati, co-host of ARISE Television’s The Morning Show, has slammed Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, for his positive remarks on the country’s fuel situation and planned oil industry investments. Abati’s outburst follows Lokpobiri’s remarks at a press conference in Abuja, in which he stated that Nigeria is on track to attract $50 billion in oil investments by December.
Lokpobiri, while addressing concerns from foreign and local investors, declared that Nigeria is on the brink of an oil production boost to 2.7 million barrels per day. He described the policy direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as transformative for the oil sector, purportedly making it more appealing to investors. However, Abati was quick to challenge this narrative, expressing disbelief at the minister’s claims during a live broadcast.
“He does not know what he is talking about. He constantly puts his foot in his mouth. Let him just stay in his allegiance to Nyesom Wike where he can speak with great certainty,” Abati stated, underscoring his frustration with Lokpobiri’s comments. He criticized the minister’s previous statements regarding refinery outputs, pointing out that none are currently operational. “No refinery is producing anything. Now he is saying $50 billion worth of investment by December… because Tinubu is a miracle worker. December is just two months away. If the Minister has nothing to say, he should keep quiet,” Abati added.
The context of Lokpobiri’s remarks raises questions about the credibility of the government’s promises amidst ongoing fuel crises. Public discontent has surged as fuel prices have risen significantly, impacting the cost of living for many Nigerians. This environment of frustration has heightened scrutiny of the government’s capacity to fulfill ambitious claims regarding the oil sector. Abati’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of skepticism among citizens regarding the efficacy of government policies and promises, particularly concerning the management of the country’s vast oil resources.
Two weeks prior, Lokpobiri had publicly acknowledged the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in securing his ministerial position. He recounted how his journey to becoming a minister was facilitated by Wike, emphasizing the political connections that underpin appointments within the current administration. “It all started in Wike’s house in Port Harcourt, and it all concluded in his house in Abuja,” Lokpobiri revealed, drawing attention to the political networks at play in Nigeria’s governance.
