The unveiling of the 2025 budget by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources at the National Assembly brought both revelations and tensions, offering a glimpse into the government’s evolving energy strategies while sparking heated debates among lawmakers. This session showcased the federal government’s renewed focus on compressed natural gas (CNG) as a sustainable energy solution, alongside measures to curb explosions in the petroleum sector.
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Tensions Erupt at Budget Presentation
On January 17, 2025, the atmosphere in room 117 of the National Assembly Complex grew contentious as Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum (Oil), and Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), presented the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal. Disruptions began when lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed arrival of key budget documents, criticizing the ministry for procedural lapses.
Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a prominent lawmaker, voiced frustration, emphasizing that budget documents should have been provided 48 hours before the session. In response, Lokpobiri apologized, attributing the delay to logistical errors and assuring legislators of his commitment to respect parliamentary processes.
CNG as the Cornerstone of Energy Transition
Amid the heated exchanges, Hon. Ekpo highlighted the government’s ambitious plans for CNG adoption, aimed at addressing climate change and reducing the country’s reliance on petroleum. The federal government allocated ₦222 billion to six companies to expand midstream and downstream infrastructure, ensuring nationwide adoption of CNG.
“Our abundance of natural gas provides a unique opportunity to lead the global conversation on energy transition,” Ekpo stated, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s natural gas reserves to combat carbon emissions and foster sustainable energy practices.
Budget Highlights
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources proposed a budget of ₦4,251,864,093.09 for 2025, allocated as follows:
- Personnel Costs: ₦1,656,172,387.09
- Overhead Costs: ₦1,692,043,445.00
- Capital Expenditure: ₦903,648,261.00
Achievements and Future Goals
The ministers outlined significant achievements in 2024, including modular refinery development, improved domestic refining capacity, and the establishment of a national oil and gas economic model. This model aims to streamline forecasting, planning, and decision-making processes across relevant ministries, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the petroleum sector.
Lokpobiri underscored the importance of modular refineries in reducing reliance on imported petroleum products while stimulating socio-economic development in the Niger Delta. “Our vision is to create a private-sector-led partnership model, integrating state governments and local cooperative societies to foster in-country refining,” he stated.
Lawmakers Call for Accountability
Despite the ministers’ assurances, lawmakers stressed the need for better collaboration and accountability. Hon. Doguwa remarked, “While we appreciate the apology, we cannot compromise on our constitutional duties. The petroleum ministry must adhere to established procedures to ensure effective oversight.”
A Vision for Energy Security
In his closing remarks, Ekpo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing energy security through CNG expansion and infrastructure development. “Transitioning to cleaner energy is not just a national priority but a global imperative. With CNG, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable future,” he concluded.
What You Should Know
The federal government’s focus on CNG aligns with global energy transition goals and offers a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is expected to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and enhance Nigeria’s energy independence.
For more detailed insights into the 2025 budget and energy strategies, read the full report on Vanguard: 2025 Budget: Petroleum, Gas Ministers Vow to Curb Explosions, Commit to CNG Expansion.
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