The Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, OGFZA, Mr. Bamanga Jada, has debunked the reports flying around that oil multinationals are migrating from the country, News About Nigeria reports.
He debunked this report while speaking on a television programme in Lagos, stating that the reports were fake.
He noted that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) are diving into deeper waters and selling off offshore operations.
According to him, these oil companies have been working in Nigeria for decades and they have been able to develop local capacity. They are now taking over their offshore operations while transferring technology to Nigerians.
He further stated that the IOCs are investing in cleaner and more sustainable energy by exploring gas in the deeper waters of the nation’s oil and gas industry.
“Shell is trying to cut down on investment in hydrocarbons because they are very mindful of our environment, which is in line with President Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to cut down emission releases into the ozone layer and invest in gas, which is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable source of energy.
“Just last month, we had a meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Budget and National Planning and also the Minister of Trade and Investment on how to make the special economic zones of Nigeria more efficient.
“The multi-nationals are ready to go into gas exploration, which is a more environmentally friendly and cleaner source of energy. When you mention Shell and Total, Shell was able to transfer technology to our people, was able to develop capacity and they are now going offshore,” he stated.
He, however, stated that the ease of doing business in Nigeria is a priority, adding that all bottlenecks will be eliminated.
