By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Managing Director of the Platform Petroleum Limited, Mr. John Anim has applauded the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for transforming the investment climate in the Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Mr. Anim gave the commendation while speaking during the “Investment Opportunities in Nigeria” panel session at the “Invest in Africa Energy 2024” conference held in Paris, France.
He said, the PIA has significantly improved the investment landscape since its enactment three years ago.
Mr. Anim highlighted that one of the major constraints in the Niger Delta is security challenges, which has seen substantial improvement.
He attributed past security issues to the exclusion of host communities from the benefits of oil and gas activities. The PIA’s focus on including these communities as major stakeholders has effectively transformed the landscape by making host communities major stakeholders through the Host Community Development Trust.
“We have observed a remarkable shift in community relations. Three different communities that previously resisted our operations are now inviting us to explore oil and gas opportunities. This change is driven by the positive outcomes seen in other communities where the Host Community Development Trust has been implemented. The inclusion of host communities has ensured that environmental impacts are minimized, and the resources are shared more equitably,” Anim said.
He emphasized that the collaboration between communities and operators is a testament to the improved investment climate in Nigeria and commended the current administration’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business, which has made the environment more welcoming to investors.
“The collaboration ensures that operations are seamless, and this is crucial for attracting further investments.”
Mr. Anim also called for increased collaboration within the industry saying that “partnership and collaboration are crucial for success in the energy sector. No company can operate in isolation”, adding that Platform Petroleum Limited is fully positioned to attract foreign partners and secure funding to develop their assets, to ensure that the energy needs of Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa are met.
Platform Petroleum Limited is a leading oil and gas company in Nigeria, committed to sustainable development and the inclusive growth of host communities. Through strategic partnerships and innovative practices, the company aims to contribute significantly to meeting the energy needs of Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
