• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

Lokpobiri hails resolution of dispute, says it strengthens investor confidence A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resolving the knotty issues around oil well OPL 245. While the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has welcomed the successful resolution of the long-standing dispute surrounding OPL 245 Adoke said Tinubu had demonstrated that he understands how the economy works. But he demanded an unreserved apology from the Federal Government for the persecution and humiliation he suffered over OPL 245 agreements by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Adoke, who wrote a book on OPL 245, made his position on Friday in a statement he personally signed in Abuja. He said: "I wholeheartedly welcome the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to finally implement the OPL 245 Resolution Agreements nearly 15 years after the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan resolved the knotty disputes between the concerned parties and tried to set the oil-rich block on the path to productivity. "I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for finally resolving this thorny issue in the national interest and in the spirit of statesmanship. "This is a testimony to the fact that he fully understands how the economy works and the importance of the oil-rich asset to the attainment of national economic goals." Adoke expressed regrets that the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari scandalised and criminalised the resolution of OPL 245. He said Tinubu's bold move to resolve all issues around the oil block is an indictment of Buhari's government. He added: "This is a further indictment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, which decided to scandalise and criminalise the hard work we did in the national interest to resolve the disputes caused by the unilateral revocation of the oil block by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2002. "It is most unfortunate that I was subjected to humiliation and defamation at home and abroad for the patriotic role I played as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in resolving the dispute to get this vital national asset working. " If the Buhari administration and the trophy-hunting anti-corruption activists had not dragged the country backwards with their uninformed intervention, the Nigerian economy would have been far better off today." Adoke demanded an unreserved apology from the Federal Government for the persecution and humiliation he was subjected to over OPL 245. He, however, said he has forgiven all his traducers and those behind his unnecessary humiliation. "I strongly believe that I deserve an unreserved apology from the Federal Government for the persecution and humiliation I was subjected to for nine years and the scar I still bear in my body simply because I advised the Goodluck Jonathan administration to do the right thing on the oil block. "Nevertheless, I forgive all those who connived to smear my name across the world. I take it as part of the burden of service to my fatherland. I remain steadfast and unshaken in my belief in Nigeria." Lokpobiri hails resolution Lokpobiri described the dispute surrounding OPL 245 as a major step toward strengthening investor confidence and unlocking the full potential of one of Nigeria's strategic offshore assets. According to a statement signed by Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, Nneamaka Okafor, the dispute was resolved through a settlement agreement involving the Federal Government of Nigeria, Eni, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, paving the way for renewed investment and the accelerated development of the asset. Lokpobiri particularly commended the leadership and foresight of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the process that ultimately brought the protracted dispute to an amicable conclusion. "This resolution reflects the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to addressing long-standing legacy issues in the oil and gas sector and creating a stable and predictable environment that inspires investor confidence," the Minister stated. Lokpobiri, who signed the agreements on behalf of Nigeria alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, praised the constructive engagement and cooperation demonstrated by all parties throughout the negotiation process. He noted that the peaceful resolution reflects Nigeria's commitment to transparency, clarity, and regulatory stability in the petroleum sector. "This settlement sends a strong message to the global investment community that Nigeria is prepared to resolve legacy issues transparently while sustaining an investment-friendly environment for long-term capital," the Minister said. He emphasised that the resolution presents a major opportunity for both Nigeria and its partners to unlock the full potential of the asset and contribute to increased national production capacity. "With this matter now amicably resolved, I encourage Eni to move toward taking a Final Investment Decision (FID) within the shortest possible time, preferably before the end of the year," he stated. "Doing so will enable both Nigeria and the investors to maximise the economic and production benefits of the asset." The Minister reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to maintaining a predictable and investment-friendly regulatory environment that supports sustainable growth and strengthens Nigeria's position in the global energy market. Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/opl-245-adoke-commends-tinubu-demands-apology-from-fg/