Lokpobiri: FG Targets Doubling of 37bn Barrels Oil Reserves with Improved Exploration

*All eight persons on-board helicopter enroute NNPC oil facility dead 

*Tinubu urges military to join search, rescue mission 

*NSIB launches investigation as minister mourns*NNPC identifies victims as contract staff on assignment

Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Chinedu Eze, Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The federal government yesterday said that for over 12 years Nigeria had not done much oil exploration, but noted that with the increasing activities in the sector, the country should be doubling its crude reserves, especially with the floating of the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF).
This information was disclosed just as all eight persons aboard a helicopter hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited  (NNPC), which was enroute one of its oil platforms in the Niger Delta died a crash yesterday.

Speaking in Abuja during a visit by the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri reiterated that the nation was targeting 2 million barrels per day by the end of this year.
“For the past few years, Nigeria hasn’t actually done much of exploration and that is why our reserves are low-grade. Our reserves are about 37 billion barrels. But our reserves should be at least two times of that.

“The reason is that all our neighbours that didn’t have oil, when our reserves were at 30 billion barrels something, have found oil. So there’s no way we will not find  more oil, like we have found in Kogi and in other parts of Nigeria. The reason why we haven’t been able to update our records is because not much exploration was done in the last 12 years.
“But for the PIA, there was no money available that government can use to do these seismic exploratory activities that will enable us to increase our reserves, not only in crude oil, but also in gas. And so I want to assure you that there’s funding that’s available for that purpose, and government is committed to ensuring that we do that for the overall strategic national interest of Nigeria,” he stated.

Stressing that the federal government cannot do it alone, Lokpobiri stated that the pace of progress as far as exploration activities are concerned in Kogi was slowed down because of the state of the economy.
He also highlighted the need to tackle the security issues, explaining that there was also the need to partner with the government of Kogi State so that the Frontier Exploration Fund can be deployed for the requisite exploration where there could be a lot of seismic work, to find more fields in Kogi.

“This is  so that Kogi can also play big with the League of States that are earning fat from derivation. And so we, as a government, are committing to working very closely with the government of Kogi State to achieve this. I’m going to come to Kogi State any time the government has enough time to invite us,” the minister added.
He said harnessing the country’s oil and gas resources remains the easiest way to come out of the economic woes it is currently experiencing, adding that it has become necessary for Nigeria to increase its oil production as the world moves towards jettisoning fossil fuels.

In his remarks, the Kogi state governor, Ododo, who came along with his team comprising the state’s Finance Commissioner, Idris Ashiru, noted that he was in Abuja to meet the minister to expedite action on harnessing some of the mineral resources in the state.
“Kogi State is a baby state that is so blessed with so many natural gifts and in abundant quantity. Hence, we have it, we have been boasting, we have been publishing, we have been talking about it.

“But it has never been working for us as a state and the entire nation. We need your support. We need your guidance. We want to unlock our potential to make sure the natural gifts gifted out by God Almighty start working for us during your own time,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Finance Commissioner, Ashiru, said that the governor had taken it upon himself by ensuring that a lot of investment was made towards securing the people of the state, its resources, and the investors.

“One of the minerals that God gave Kogi State is the Anambra Basin. And we need to tap into it for us to actually achieve the plan. The people of Kogi State believe that for this plan to work, we need to explore all areas.
“The road infrastructure is very key to achieve development and that we have been doing that. Within the shortest time, the governor will invite you to commission some of the roads we have completed. We know and we are aware that the NUPRC has a lot to do to develop the frontier basin.
“There are funds to develop it. We are happy with our colleagues in the South, when they are going home with tons of money, while we go home with little. We are happy with them, but we hope to join them.
“So if you call us an oil producing state, yes, we are an oil producing state, but are we producing? No. Because then, it was insecurity. But we have fought and we have ensured there is peace in the area.

“That is the major one that you need to help us. Some people believe we earn 30 per cent . It’s not monthly. We only received it once, and that was 7.8 million. But as a government, we have to be proud that we are also oil producing. But nothing is coming,” he lamented.
On the air accident, President Bola Tinubu has directed an intensification of search and rescue for passengers of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, near Bonny Finima, in Rivers State, yesterday.

Tinubu, in a release by his adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the search and rescue mission, and provide all necessary support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies.
The president condoled with the board and staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the families of all those who were confirmed to have passed on in the accident.

Eight persons, including two crew members (pilots) and six passengers, were confirmed dead as a helicopter on oil and gas shuttle service crashed off the coast of Calabar, Cross River State.
The six passengers were identified as Tamunoemi Soko; Alu Lawrence; Etim Emmanuel; Kenneth Chikwem; Frank Oriamre and Borris Ndorbo.
The helicopter, which was hired by NNPC, took off from Arik Air hangar at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Port Harcourt.
The tragic accident took place about 11:22am yesterday involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5NBQG, and operated by East Wind Aviation. It was flying from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIM ANTAN oil rig when it crashed.
A statement by Head Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, indicated that the chopper ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

Throwing more light on the accident, NSIB) said it had commenced investigation into the accident.
NSIB confirmed that the helicopter went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, during a routine flight on Thursday, October 24, approximately 11:22am local time.
In a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the agency explained that the aircraft was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Antan Offshore Facility, when it lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52am.

The agency said, “Operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident’s location to expedite search and rescue efforts.
“Search and rescue operations were activated immediately, with the NSIB collaborating closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies.”
Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident.

“We will work diligently to ensure that all necessary information is collected. The public must avoid speculation during this sensitive time, as our focus is on providing clarity and accountability through our investigation.”
NSIB said it was actively preparing to dispatch a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis. It said a preliminary report would be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation’s progress.
NNPC confirmed that it hired the crashed helicopter.

The national oil company, in a brief statement by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, said the helicopter was en route one of its oil facilities in the Niger Delta after taking off from Port Harcourt.
However, sources with the knowledge of what transpired told THISDAY that all the victims of the accident were NNPC contract staff.
NNPC said, in the statement, “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS Antan. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

“There were eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, which have since issued a press statement.”
National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) expressed sadness over the tragic death of its members, the two pilots, and other souls on board the chopper.
NAAPE said, in a statement by its National President, Abednego Galadima, that the captain, Dukas, had 20 years flying experience. It reiterated the need for safe operating conditions and called on government and relevant aviation agencies to always target zero accident operating environment.

The statement  said: “The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers has received with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash off shore today 24th October, 2024.
“More saddening is that the captain on board, Capt Yakubu Dukas, is a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, was the vice president of our great union.

“We have always maintained that the operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal for all professionals for the safety of all, knowing that there is no parking space up there.
“We call on the government and all stakeholders to always ensure that in all their operations, they target zero for accidents because of the catastrophic nature of air crashes.

“We also call on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence.
“Our prayers are with all families whose beloved ones were on board.”
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed sadness over the incident.
A statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Nneamaka Okafor, said Lokpobiri expressed his condolences to the families of those affected.
It said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew members, and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

We share in the grief and pain of the families, and we stand in solidarity with them as the search and rescue efforts continue.”
The minister stated that the ministry will continue to support NNPC as it monitored and managed the situation.