Tinubu pushes IOCs to award more gas projects to local firms

President Bola Tinubu has urged international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to award more gas and energy contracts to capable indigenous firms, saying local participation should translate into more jobs, technology transfer and economic value for the country.

Tinubu made the call on Thursday while receiving Leemon Ikpea, founder and chairman of Lee Engineering Group, at the State House, Abuja.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said his administration’s Nigeria First policy should result in greater use of locally manufactured equipment and more opportunities for Nigerian engineering companies.

Lee Engineering is handling the engineering, procurement and construction of two midline compressor stations in Edo State to boost gas transportation through the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System.

The stations are expected to increase operating pressure and enable the pipeline to deliver its full capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, following the expansion under the ELPS II project.

The improved capacity is expected to strengthen gas supplies to power plants and industries along the pipeline corridor, while increasing exports to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline.

Tinubu urged international oil companies to build stronger partnerships with indigenous engineering firms that have demonstrated the capacity to execute complex energy projects.

He also highlighted his administration’s 2024 executive orders and presidential directives on local content compliance, contracting costs and approval timelines, saying the measures were designed to attract investment, reduce delays and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s gas resources to support industrial growth, improve electricity supply, create jobs and increase export earnings.

Ikpea commended the government’s local content drive, noting that Lee Engineering’s fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State, was producing some components for the compressor stations.

He said the facility had advanced fabrication equipment and that Nigerian firms had invested significantly in technology, equipment and skilled personnel to handle complex projects previously dominated by foreign contractors.

According to him, greater participation by local companies would help retain jobs, technical expertise and more economic value within Nigeria.