Tag: Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, has underscored the strategic importance of the midstream segment in Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain, describing it as critical to energy security, industrial expansion and economic diversification.

Speaking at a high-level workshop convened on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) in Abuja, Hon. Okojie said the midstream segment—covering processing, transportation and storage—remains central to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The workshop, themed “Midstream Sector Overview and Strategic Future Chart for Seamless Processing,” brought together lawmakers, industry experts, regulators and other key stakeholders to deliberate on policy direction, capacity building and strategic planning for sustainable growth in the sector.

Hon. Okojie reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to robust legislative oversight, policy support and sustained stakeholder engagement aimed at removing operational bottlenecks and unlocking new investment opportunities. He explained that the workshop was designed to produce practical, actionable insights that would guide future legislative interventions and long-term sector reforms.

During the session, the Committee Chairman also briefed members on the urgent need for legislative engagement in the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Dangote Refinery. He noted that the disagreement has far-reaching implications for sector stability, investor confidence and national energy security, stressing the Committee’s mediatory and oversight role in ensuring regulatory clarity, fairness and a resolution that serves the national interest.

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The workshop featured a technical session led by industry experts, who provided an overview of the midstream sector, highlighted emerging challenges and outlined strategic options for achieving seamless processing. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, offering insights on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure gaps, gas utilisation and private sector participation.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks, as participants commended the Committee for creating a platform for constructive engagement on the future of Nigeria’s petroleum midstream sector.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the outcomes of the workshop, including the Committee’s proactive stance on resolving critical sectoral disputes, would translate into stronger policies and legislative actions to enhance efficiency, attract investment and reposition the midstream sector as a key driver of national economic growth.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, on Monday intervened to douse tensions as members of the National Executive Council of the Niger Delta Students’ Union Government (NIDSUG) staged a protest in Abuja.

The students, who had converged from across the nine Niger Delta states and beyond, were protesting what they described as the neglect of the region’s youths and host communities in the empowerment programmes and corporate social responsibility initiatives of the NMDPRA.

Among their key demands were the establishment of a Niger Delta Technology Acquisition Program (NDTAP) in partnership with the Bayelsa State Tech Hub, aimed at equipping young people with technology skills, and the organization of a Youth and Students Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting to sensitize youths on curbing oil and gas asset vandalism and gas flaring in their communities.

Rather than allowing tensions to escalate, Hon. Okojie swiftly intervened, persuading the students to shift from protesting to the National Assembly complex, where he facilitated a dialogue to properly hear their grievances.

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At the meeting, Hon. Okojie commended the students for their peaceful conduct and reassured them that their concerns were being taken seriously.

“I appreciate the maturity with which you have conducted yourselves so far,” Okojie said. “Your demands reflect critical areas that require urgent attention, not just for the welfare of Niger Delta youths but for the sustainability of our petroleum resources and national development.”

He acknowledged the legitimacy of their requests, particularly the need for targeted technology skills training and greater youth engagement in protecting oil and gas infrastructure, pledging to use his office to ensure their voices were heard at the appropriate quarters.

“As Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), I will engage the leadership of the NMDPRA directly. We will work to ensure that initiatives like the Niger Delta Technology Acquisition Program (NDTAP) become a reality,” he assured them.

“The call for a stakeholder Town Hall Meeting is equally important. It is through dialogue and enlightenment that we can reduce the menace of vandalism and gas flaring that have plagued your communities for too long.”

Okojie urged the students to continue to embrace peaceful and structured engagements, promising to personally oversee follow-up actions and ensure that the concerns raised were addressed systematically.

“You have started a process that will lead to real and positive change. Trust that you have an ally in me. I will keep you informed on developments and the steps being taken to meet your demands,” he added.

The delegation from the Nigeria Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), led by the Executive Director – Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Dr. Mustapha Lamorde (representing the Authority Chief Executive), commended Okojie for his intervention and engagement in halting the protest. 

Dr. Lamorde further reassured the Hon. Okojie and the NIDSUG delegation that their demands will be escalated with a positive feedback.

Following the meeting, NIDSUG leaders expressed optimism that Hon. Okojie’s intervention would lead to meaningful outcomes, while suspending further protest activities.