Heineken Lokpobiri Urges Operators to Adopt Global HSE and ESG Standards

Strategic Insights -

As Nigeria looks to attract investments and upgrade its oil and gas infrastructure, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has emphasized the importance of adopting global Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the sector. Lokpobiri made this call while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS) held in Abuja.

Key Takeaways:

  • Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, urged oil and gas operators in Nigeria to adopt global HSE and ESG standards to attract investments and upgrade infrastructure.
  • Lokpobiri stated that advanced HSE and ESG in workplaces create an environment of trust, safety, and accountability, which attracts greater investment and enables the capacity to upgrade infrastructure and adopt advanced technologies.
  • Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, highlighted the importance of resilience in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, noting that companies are judged not only by production output but also by their adherence to ESG values.
  • NNPC is embedding a Zero Harm culture across its operations by implementing an Energy Transition Roadmap, cutting carbon emissions, and investing in gas as Nigeria's transition fuel.
  • Festus Osifo, PENGASSAN President, decried the persistent unsafe practices in oil installations, warning that operators cutting corners are endangering the lives of workers.
  • Osifo recalled the October 24, 2024 helicopter crash around Bonny, which killed three members of the union, stressing that safety in the sector must never be compromised.
  • Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, pledged the government's commitment to workers' safety, decent wages, and skills development.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's oil and gas sector faces challenges such as global oil market volatility, rising environmental expectations, and domestic infrastructure gaps.
  • NNPC plans to grow output through rigorous field development, securing oil and gas infrastructure, and unlocking stranded assets.
  • PENGASSAN has expressed concerns about the persistent unsafe practices in oil installations and the need for a culture of safety, discipline, and professionalism in the sector.
  • 3 members of the union were killed in a helicopter crash around Bonny on October 24, 2024.

Sources:

  • "Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, delivers keynote address at PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja." - The Guardian Nigeria
  • "Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, highlights importance of resilience in Nigeria's oil and gas sector." - The Nation Nigeria
  • "Festus Osifo, PENGASSAN President, decries persistent unsafe practices in oil installations." - Vanguard Nigeria
  • "Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, pledges government's commitment to workers' safety and skills development." - ThisDay Nigeria