Iranian envoy parleys Reps, pledges support for energy sector
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Muhammad Alibak, has pledged the country’s support to Nigeria’s quest to address challenges in the energy sector.
Alibak, who stated this, at a parley with the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, said the support will be through collaborative investment and cooperation, primarily, in the development of the oil and gas sector’s downstream division, including refineries and related infrastructure.
A statement by Ugochinyere’s media office, indicated that the committee chairman was accompanied on the introductory visit to the Iranian Embassy, by his deputy, Aliyu Mustapha.
The Iranian envoy, according to the statement, highlighted his country’s commitment to collaborate with Nigeria in the oil and gas sector.
Ugochinyere had told the ambassador that the visit was aimed at deepening cooperation with Iran, based on the country’s long-standing willingness to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and expansion in the downstream sector.
He expressed optimism that closer collaboration with Iran, could help Nigeria enhance its energy security, exploration activities, local refining, and overall industry growth.
The Committee chairman explained that with the enactment of Petroleum Industry Act (PlA), there are several opportunities in the petroleum downstream and midstream sectors. Consequently, the lawmaker implored
Iranian investors and oil companies to maximize the opportunities presented by the stability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by investing massively in the sector.
Furthermore, he commended Iran’s successful utilization of gas resources, leading to widespread connectivity to refined gas and enabling economic growth, as well was the country’s resilience in sustaining local petroleum refining and expanding refining capacity amidst global economic sanctions.
Ugochinyere assured that the National Assembly would vigilantly oversee the implementation of the PlA, so as to ensure that the objectives of law are achieved. According to him, the Nigerian parliament would remain steadfast in fostering a conducive
environment for foreign investment and sustainable sector growth.
