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Tag: Lokpobiri

  • Lokpobiri parleys Bayelsa monarchs on how to curb oil theft

    Lokpobiri parleys Bayelsa monarchs on how to curb oil theft

    The Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has embarked on a series of insightful and collaborative courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Bayelsa State in order to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    This strategic initiative aligns with the Minister’s unwavering commitment to foster cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry, specifically aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalisation, crude theft, and security uncertainties in oil-bearing communities across the region.

    Special Adviser, Media and Communication to the Minister, Nneamaka Okafor, made this known in a press statement at the weekend.

    The statement noted that one of these meetings took place with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo. In this engaging encounter, the Minister stressed the imperative of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalisation and oil theft.

     He called on His Royal Majesty to utilize his esteemed position to rally other Traditional Rulers in the State for a unified front in addressing these challenges. Recognising the crucial role traditional leaders play in the socio-economic fabric of the region, the Minister emphasised the need for a joint commitment to securing the oil infrastructure.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri parleys Bayelsa monarchs, seeks end to oil theft, pipeline vandalism

    Continuing the dialogue, the Minister extended his courtesy visit to the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, HRM Edmund Daukoru. The discussions during this meeting were focused on the importance of collaborative action in ensuring the security of pipelines and combating illicit activities in the oil sector. The Minister expressed deep appreciation for the support and valuable insights provided by HRM Edmund Daukoru, acknowledging his wealth of experience in the petroleum industry as an asset to the ongoing efforts in the region.

    In another significant engagement, the Minister met with the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, HRM Boloye Sufadoh Embareba. The discussions with HRM Boloye Sufadoh Embareba revolved around the critical need for collaboration between the government and traditional rulers to effectively address security challenges and enhance crude production. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a secure and prosperous oil sector, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between a thriving oil industry and national prosperity.

    These meticulous visits underline the Minister’s dedication to leaving no stone unturned in achieving  the Federal Government’s objective of increasing crude production for the prosperity of the nation. By actively engaging with traditional rulers, the Minister aims to build a strong and enduring alliance with local leaders, fostering a secure environment that is conducive to sustainable growth in the oil industry.

  • Lokpobiri parleys Bayelsa monarchs, seeks end to oil theft, pipeline vandalism

    Lokpobiri parleys Bayelsa monarchs, seeks end to oil theft, pipeline vandalism

    The Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri has embarked on collaborative courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Bayelsa state to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

     This strategic initiative aligns with the minister’s unwavering commitment to foster cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry, specifically aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalization, crude theft, and security uncertainties in oil-bearing communities across the region.

    The special adviser, media and communication to the minister, Nneamaka Okafor, made this known in a press statement at the weekend. 

    The statement noted that one of these meetings took place with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo. 

    In this engaging encounter, the minister stressed the imperative of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalization and oil theft.

     He called on His Royal Majesty to utilize his esteemed position to rally other Traditional Rulers in the State for a unified front in addressing these challenges. 

    Recognizing the crucial role traditional leaders play in the socio-economic fabric of the region, the Minister emphasized the need for a joint commitment to securing the oil infrastructure.

    Continuing the dialogue, the Minister extended his courtesy visit to the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, HRM Edmund Daukoru. 

    The discussions during this meeting were focused on the importance of collaborative action in ensuring the security of pipelines and combating illicit activities in the oil sector. 

    The Minister expressed deep appreciation for the support and valuable insights provided by HRM Edmund Daukoru, acknowledging his wealth of experience in the petroleum industry as an asset to the ongoing efforts in the region.

    In another significant engagement, the Minister met with the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, HRM Boloye Sufadoh Embareba. 

    Read Also: Lokpobiri: hope not lost on Atala Oilfield

    The discussions with HRM Boloye Sufadoh Embareba revolved around the critical need for collaboration between the government and traditional rulers to effectively address security challenges and enhance crude production. 

    The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a secure and 

    prosperous oil sector, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between a thriving oil industry and national prosperity.

    These meticulous visits underline the Minister’s dedication to leaving no stone unturned in achieving the federal government’s objective of increasing crude production for the prosperity of the nation. 

    By actively engaging with traditional rulers, the Minister aims to build a strong and enduring alliance with local leaders, fostering a secure environment that is conducive to sustainable growth in the oil industry.

  • Lokpobiri: hope not lost on Atala Oilfield

    Lokpobiri: hope not lost on Atala Oilfield

    • Revoked licence may return to Bayelsa govt
    • Diri assures on collaboration to stem oil theft

    Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said there is still hope that the revoked licence for OML 46 (also known as Atala Oilfield), belonging to Bayelsa State, will be returned to the state.

    The Federal Government through the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had in controversial circumstances revoked the licence in April 2020 when another indigene of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

    But, Senator Lokpobiri, during a visit to Governor Douye Diri yesterday at the Government House, Yenagoa, expressed regrets that the Atala Oilfield, a common patrimony of the state, was taken away.

    The minister said he would do everything within his power to bring back the asset.

    He explained that his visit was to seek collaboration with the state government to address issues concerning Bayelsa and for the state to reap the dividends of democracy.

    The minister sought the government’s partnership to curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

    He said the menace had resulted in the reduction of revenue from the Federation Account to oil-producing states, adding that Bayelsa had zero derivation for about four months in 2023.

    Lokpobiri also expressed concern about the level of pollution caused by illegal bunkering activities, noting that if the trend was not checked, it could be an existential threat.

    He said: “Bayelsa State is more polluted than Ogoni in Rivers State and we are the only people that can put a stop to it. We need to do something to protect our water and land resources.

    “It is also important to note that illegal refineries affect the income of our state. The governor can attest to the fact that derivation money has been dwindling. There was zero derivation for months. We are changing our security architecture to one that can be more effective. So, we need to work together to change the narrative.”

    Responding, Governor Diri congratulated Lokpobiri on his appointment and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for appointing a worthy son of Bayelsa as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

    Diri assured the Federal Government of his administration’s preparedness to partner with it to check oil theft and illegal bunkering, which had adversely affected the ecosystem.

    He stressed the need to involve governors of the Niger Delta states working together to stamp out the menace.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri football tourney holds Jan 30

    He said: “We want to see the positive impact of your office. We are on a new journey to change the trajectory of your office. This is why l am pained that it was in your time that the office was balkanised. Bayelsa has more gas than oil. So we would have been happier if you were presiding over gas as well.

    “We need more exchange of ideas. Today, you have given us hope. You have assured me that Atala Oilfield will come back to Bayelsa. 

    “I believe that you will right a lot of wrongs done to our people. No Bayelsa man has an oil mining licence and the only one we had was taken away.”

    While urging Lokpobiri to partner the state government to explore ways of attracting development to the state, Diri bemoaned a situation where the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company in Bonny, Rivers State, receives 60 per cent of its gas from Bayelsa but the company pays tax to Rivers.

    He noted that Bayelsa was deprived of legitimate income and taxes while being erroneously rated as financially insolvent.

    The governor restated his position that the real viability of states could only be determined when the country practises fiscal federalism and resource control.

  • Hope not lost on Atala oilfield’s return to Bayelsa, says Lokpobiri

    Hope not lost on Atala oilfield’s return to Bayelsa, says Lokpobiri

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has said there is still hope that the revoked licence for OML 46 (also known as Atala Oilfield), belonging to Bayelsa state, will be returned to the state.

    The federal government through the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had in controversial circumstances revoked the licence in April 2020 when another son of the state, Timipre Sylva, was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

    However, Lokpobiri, during a visit to Governor Douye Diri on Wednesday, January 3, at the Government House, Yenagoa, expressed regrets that the Atala oilfield, a common patrimony of the state, was taken away.

    The minister said he would do everything within his power to bring back the asset.

    He explained that his visit was to seek collaboration with the state government to address issues concerning Bayelsa and for the state to reap the dividends of democracy.

    The minister sought the government’s partnership to curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

    He said the menace had resulted in the reduction of revenue from the federation account to oil-producing states, adding that Bayelsa had zero derivation for about four months in 2023.

    Lokpobiri also expressed concern over the level of pollution caused by illegal bunkering activities, noting that if the trend was not checked, it could be an existential threat.

    He said: “Bayelsa State is more polluted than Ogoni in Rivers State and we are the only people that can put a stop to it. We need to do something to protect our water and land resources.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri football tourney holds Jan 30

    “It is also important to note that illegal refineries affect the income of our state. The governor can attest to the fact that derivation money has been dwindling. There was zero derivation for months. We are changing our security architecture to one that could be more effective. So, we need to work together to change the narrative.”

    Responding, Governor Douye Diri congratulated Lokpobiri on his appointment and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for appointing a worthy son of Bayelsa as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

    Diri assured the federal government of his administration’s preparedness to partner with it to check oil theft and illegal bunkering, which had adversely affected the ecosystem.

    He stressed the need to involve governors of the Nigeria Delta states working together to stamp out the menace.

    He said: “We want to see the positive impact of your office. We are on a new journey to change the trajectory of your office. That is why l am pained that it was in your time that the office was balkanized. Bayelsa has more gas than oil. So we would have been happier if you were presiding over gas as well.

    “We need more exchange of ideas. Today, you have given us hope. You have assured me that Atala oilfield will come back to Bayelsa.

    “I believe that you will right a lot of wrongs done to our people. No Bayelsa man has an oil mining licence and the only one we had was taken away.”

    While urging Lokpobiri to partner with the state government to explore ways of attracting development to the state, Diri bemoaned the situation where the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company in Bonny, Rivers State, receives 60% of its gas from Bayelsa but the company pays tax to Rivers.

    He noted that Bayelsa was deprived of legitimate income and taxes while being erroneously rated as financially insolvent.

    The governor restated his position that the real viability of states could only be determined when the country practises fiscal federalism and resource control.

  • Lokpobiri football tourney holds Jan 30

    Lokpobiri football tourney holds Jan 30

    The Heineken Lokpobiri football tournament will now hold on January 30 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, according to the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), coach Meinkeme Fekete.

    Earlier schedule for November, Fekete  said the tournament was pushed forward by circumstances beyond the control of the organisers.

    The tournament is aimed to fish out hiding talents in the 60 Bayelsa State villages.

    Read Also: Bayelsa guber: Lokpobiri is a threat to APC’s chance, group tells Tinubu, Ganduje

    According to the LOC chairman, 25 players would be picked after the tournament to play two friendly matches against the Flying Eagles of Nigeria and the Cameroon U-20 team in Cameron to honour Nigeria former international, Jossy Donbraye, the first player to score a goal at Cameroon at the Ayije Stadium, Cameroon, where his statue was built.

    Fekete, who took Bayelsa United to win the Nigeria Premier League and reached the semi-final in CAF Cup, said the Lokpobiri tournament is the first of its kind in the state.

  • Pro-APC group urges Tinubu, Ganduje to caution Lokpobiri

    Pro-APC group urges Tinubu, Ganduje to caution Lokpobiri

    A group within the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, to caution the Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, over his alleged closeness with Governor Douye Diri.

    The pro-APC group under the auspices of the APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance (APCPMGLG) claimed the development was hurting the chances of the APC.

    The group noted that it was worrisome that barely two weeks to the governorship election in the state, nothing had been seen or heard about Lokpobiri’s contributions to the election of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate in the November 11 poll.

    The APCPMGLG pointed out that the oil minister had not attended any stakeholders’ meeting; neither had he attended any of the APC campaigns even when the campaign train went to Ekeremor, his local government.

    The group in a petition to President Tinubu and Ganduje, by its President, Dr. Ebipade Godknows, and Secretary, Mrs Evelyn Dogood, alleged that Lokpobiri’s consistent visit to Bayelsa Government House and frequent meetings with Diri are worrisome and he needs to be cautioned.

    The group said: “The Bayelsa APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance, a pro-APC support group in Bayelsa State has raised the alarm about the activities of the Minister of Petroleum Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri in Bayelsa and the danger it poses to the party especially the upcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    “Two weeks to the Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections, it is worrisome that nothing has been seen or heard as contributions from Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to the election of Chief Timipre Sylva as the governor of Bayelsa State.

    “The alleged anti-party activities of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri are traced back to 2019 when he wanted the ticket to run for the governorship of Bayelsa State but couldn’t as it was given to Chief David Lyon. Since then, Lokpobiri has been fighting the party with so many litigations.

    Read Also: Oyedepo’s son breaks silence on ‘alleged’ resignation from father’s church

    “Ordinarily, one would have thought that since he is now holding such a major position as Minister of Petroleum (State) he should use his position to better the chances of the party but the reverse is the case. The consistent visit to Bayelsa Government House and frequent meetings with Governor Diri says It all, is worrisome and he needs to be cautioned.

    “We write this letter in good faith because we are committed members of the APC and we want our party to occupy the Bayelsa State Government House this time around.”

    But the Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has rubbished reports making the round in sections of the media claiming a strong alliance with the PDP-led government in Bayelsa state headed by Governor Douye Diri.

    Media reports had alleged that there is a crack in Bayelsa APC as top leaders, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon, engage in talks with PDP’s Governor Diri.

    In a statement, Lokpobiri’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Nneamaka Okafor, debunked the allegations.

    The statement described the allegation as the handiwork of unscrupulous elements and “individuals, groups who do not have Bayelsa State’s best interests at heart, especially threatened by the strong and cordial relationship that exists between Senator Lokpobiri and his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The statement added that the allegations suggest that Senator Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon have formed an alliance with the PDP Governor Douye Diri. “We categorically state that these allegations lack credibility and are merely propaganda. Senator Lokpobiri’s dedication to the APC’s principles and values is unquestionable, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the party’s success in Bayelsa State,” it added.

  • Bayelsa guber: Lokpobiri is a threat to APC’s chance, group tells Tinubu, Ganduje

    Bayelsa guber: Lokpobiri is a threat to APC’s chance, group tells Tinubu, Ganduje

    A group within the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Bola Tinubu and the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, to caution the Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri over his alleged romance with Governor Douye Diri.

    The pro-APC group under the auspices of the APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance (APCPMGLG) claimed the development was hurting the chances of the APC.

    The group noted that it was worrisome that barely two weeks into the governorship election in the state, nothing had been seen or heard about Lokpobiri’s contributions to the election of Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate in the November 11 poll.

    The APCPMGLG pointed out that the oil minister had not attended any stakeholders’ meeting in the state, nor had he attended any of APC campaigns even when the campaign train went to Ekeremor, his local government.

    The group in a petition to President Tinubu and Ganduje, by its president, Ebipade Godknows, and Secretary, Evelyn Dogood, alleged that Lokpobiri’s consistent visit to Bayelsa Government House and frequent meetings with Diri is worrisome and that he needs to be cautioned.

    The group said: “The Bayelsa APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance, a pro-APC support group in Bayelsa State has raised the alarm about the activities of the Minister of Petroleum Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri in Bayelsa and the danger it poses to the party especially the upcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    Read Also; Reports of Fubara sacking aides, council chairmen untrue, says Rivers

    “Two weeks to the Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections, it is worrisome that nothing has been seen or heard as contributions from Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to the election of Chief Timipre Sylva as the Governor of Bayelsa State.

    “The alleged anti-party activities of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri are traced back to 2019 when he wanted the ticket to run for the governorship of Bayelsa State but couldn’t as it was given to Chief David Lyon. Since then, Lokpobiri has been fighting the party with so many litigations.

    “Ordinarily, one would have thought that since he is now holding such a major position as Minister of Petroleum (State) he should use his position to better the chances of the party but the reverse is the case.

    “The consistent visit to Bayelsa Government House and frequent meetings with Governor Diri says It all, it is worrisome and he needs to be cautioned.

    “We write this letter in good faith because we are committed members of the APC and we want our party to occupy the Bayelsa State Government House this time around.”

    But the Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has rubbished reports making the round in sections of the media claiming a strong alliance with the PDP-led government in Bayelsa state headed by Governor Douye Diri.

    Media reports had alleged that there is a crack in Bayelsa APC as top leaders, including Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon, engage in talks with PDP’s Governor Diri.

    In a statement, Lokpobiri’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Nneamaka Okafor, debunked the allegations.

    The statement described the allegation as the handiwork of unscrupulous elements and “individuals, groups who do not have Bayelsa state’s best interests at heart, especially threatened by the strong and cordial relationship that exists between Senator Lokpobiri and his boss, President Bola Tinubu.”

    It read: “Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wish to set the records straight and debunk these malicious claims.

    “It has come to our attention that certain false allegations are being circulated in various media outlets in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD, a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a staunch supporter of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC governorship candidate in the upcoming November 11, 2023, Governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    “These baseless allegations suggest that Senator Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon have formed an alliance with the PDP Governor Douye Diri. We categorically state that these allegations lack credibility and are merely propaganda. Senator Lokpobiri’s dedication to the APC’s principles and values is unquestionable, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the party’s success in Bayelsa State.”

  • Crude oil production hits 1.7mb/d, says Lokpobiri

    Crude oil production hits 1.7mb/d, says Lokpobiri

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri at the weekend disclosed that crude oil production as of Friday was 1.7milliion barrels per day.

    Addressing Energy Correspondents of Nigeria in Abuja, he said including condensate, the country’s production level hit 1.7mb/d.

    He vowed that by the end of this year the production volume would exceeded 2.0 mb/d.

    He noted that his sole agenda in office is to increase production of crude oil. 

    “When we assumed office, my sole objective was to increase production, increase production.

    ‘ The more you increase production, the more revenue available to the country…My ambition is to see how we can increase production and today crude oil production is 1.4million barrels per day and including condensate 1.7million barrels per day. We are trying to exceed 2million per day by the end of this year.” 

    According to him, once the volume of production soars, it indicates more revenue for the country.

    Lokpobiri said oil is substantially the country’s economic mainstay adding that increased production will also culminate in increased forex for Nigeria.

    Read Also: NOGAPS industrial park will be a game changer, says Lokpobiri

    The Minister explained that the production was low owing to security challenges in the Niger Delta region.

    Due to the shortfall, Lokpobiri said he was already engaging with the stakeholders such as the International Oil Companies (IOCs), local refineries and others to tackle the challenges.

    He revealed that the Federal Government has admonished the IOCs not to quit the Nigeria oil and gas sector for new climes, where they will definitely meet fresh challenges.

    He added that the absence of a new law was one of the reasons the operators were leaving, stressing that the government has addressed that with the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act.

  • Petroleum Minister Lokpobiri, Kyari inspect ‘quick-fix’ works at Warri Refinery

    Petroleum Minister Lokpobiri, Kyari inspect ‘quick-fix’ works at Warri Refinery

    The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Friday, September 29, inspected ongoing “Quick-Fix Work” works at the Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) in Delta state.

    The minister, who was accompanied by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari was at the WRPC for the 13th Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee Meeting.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri vows to remove oil production bottlenecks

    This was disclosed on the official X handle of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Details of the meeting could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

    According to a source at the WRPC, the minister inspected the progress of rehabilitation works at the refinery which is expected to be delivered before the end of the year.

  • Lokpobiri vows to remove oil production bottlenecks

    Lokpobiri vows to remove oil production bottlenecks

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has assured of Federal Government’s commitment to removing all bottlenecks hindering ease of exploration and production in the Nigeria energy sector.

    Lokpobiri gave this assurance while playing host to the leadership of Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), who paid him official visit in Abuja in-line with the Minister’s ongoing engagement with agencies, commissions and other stakeholders of the ministry.

    This was contained in a statement by Lokpobiri’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor.

    Read Also: Diri gave INC, IYC new lease of life, says Lokpobiri

    According to the statement, the  team of IPPG and OPTS, made of the management of member companies and led by the President/Group CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Abdulrazaq and the Executive Director of OPTS, Gwueke Ajaifia, commended the  Minister for his proactive measures so far in bringing about government’s support and leadership needed to drive the renaissance of the nation’s petroleum sector.

    The statement noted that this goes not without expression of some concerns to the Honorable Minister, that have created impediments for ease of doing business in the nation’s energy sector.
     Prominent on their list, said the statement, are the IOCs divestment issues and enabling environment at the producing areas, the Niger Delta.

    While identifying them as critical stakeholders in the industry, the Honorable Minister expressed appreciation for their readiness to work with him in-line with the President’s objective of increasing the nation’s petroleum production.

     Lokpobiri reassured the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), of his commitment to the removal of all bottlenecks that have served as hindrance to business operations in the industry, while ensuring the compliance of regulations.

      “…I want to assure you that we have the capacity to resolve whatever issues that exist or may arise in the future and together we can achieve a better sector in the interest of our country,” the Minister added.