Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 9, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) has inaugurated the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal, a $400 million initiative representing Nigeria's first fully locally developed onshore crude export facility. This project highlights advancements in domestic energy infrastructure.

The announcement was shared on Wednesday via a post on X by Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy. She expressed: “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate my dear brother, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, former Special Adviser on Energy and Strategic Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and an illustrious son of @OndoStateOnline, on the successful launch of the $400 million Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal by Green Energy International Limited.”

Verheijen further noted: “This first wholly indigenous facility of its kind in over five decades is a landmark achievement, showcasing visionary leadership, technical depth, and Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver world-class energy infrastructure.”

During the inauguration in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), praised the terminal as a key milestone consistent with the administration’s focus on energy development. He emphasized its role in broadening infrastructure, promoting local involvement, and bolstering energy reliability.

Tinubu underscored the enduring relevance of oil and gas resources, stating: “Oil and gas will never go away. The International Energy Agency has now admitted that the world must invest over $540 billion yearly in the upstream sector to avoid an energy crisis. We cannot abandon our God-given resources.”

The President also highlighted ongoing discussions with Ogoni community leaders to address historical challenges affecting production in their areas, aiming for collaborative solutions.

The Otakikpo terminal marks the first such indigenous onshore crude export site constructed in Nigeria in more than 50 years. Led by Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, the project demonstrates GEIL’s expertise in engineering and operations, enabling efficient crude handling and export capabilities.

In recent developments, the Nigerian government reported securing over $8 billion in investments for deepwater and gas initiatives earlier this year. In September, President Tinubu instructed Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, to initiate consultations with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Ogoni representatives, and other parties to outline steps for resuming operations in Ogoniland.

Building on prior efforts, Tinubu had directed the National Security Adviser in January to facilitate dialogues with Ogoni leaders for broader engagement and consensus. He remarked: “We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland.”

As a follow-up, the President approved legislation creating the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State, to support education and environmental management.

This terminal enhances Nigeria’s export logistics, contributing to economic stability and resource optimization. By fostering local innovation, it aligns with national goals for sustainable energy growth and community inclusion.