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Successful Visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

As a representative of the people of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, I was recently afforded the opportunity to visit the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in my capacity as the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Parliamentary Relations. This visit marked an important step in fostering stronger economic ties between Nigeria and China, as well as promoting the development of key sectors in Nigeria, particularly the oil and gas industry. The purpose of the visit was to inform the NUPRC leadership about the upcoming Nigeria-China Sustainable Trade, Investment, and Bilateral Relations Summit, 2025, which is poised to be a milestone event aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between both nations.

Upon my arrival at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, I was graciously welcomed by the Chief Executive Commissioner, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and his dedicated team. The NUPRC is at the forefront of regulating and overseeing activities within Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, and their work is crucial in ensuring that the oil and gas industry operates efficiently and in line with international standards. It was a privilege to meet with such a distinguished team of professionals who are responsible for regulating one of Nigeria’s most vital industries.

The reception I received underscored the commitment of NUPRC to collaborate with stakeholders, both local and international, to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The visit provided an opportunity for open dialogue, during which I was able to share details about the upcoming summit and how it relates to the ongoing efforts to promote investment in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

As Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Parliamentary Relations, it is part of my responsibility to facilitate communication and cooperation between Nigeria and China. The relationship between these two great nations holds tremendous potential for economic growth and development. Both countries are emerging global players, and there are numerous opportunities to collaborate in areas that can propel their economies forward.

The purpose of my visit to the NUPRC was to inform them about the Nigeria-China Sustainable Trade, Investment, and Bilateral Relations Summit, 2025. The summit is an initiative designed to strengthen the already-existing ties between Nigeria and China by focusing on sustainable trade, investment, and collaboration. It is particularly exciting because of the wide range of sectors that will be represented, including agriculture, mining and solid minerals, power and renewable energy, oil and gas, construction and civil works, and more. By addressing these areas, the summit aims to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between Nigerian and Chinese businesses, governments, and other key stakeholders.

As part of my discussions with Engr. Komolafe and the NUPRC team, I emphasized how critical the oil and gas industry is to both the Nigerian economy and our efforts to attract sustainable investments. China has long been an important trading partner for Nigeria, and its role in the development of our natural resources cannot be overstated. The energy sector, including oil and gas, will play a central role in the summit, as we aim to create pathways for increased collaboration between Nigerian oil and gas companies and their Chinese counterparts.

The Nigeria-China Sustainable Trade, Investment, and Bilateral Relations Summit, 2025 will take place in two phases. The first phase of the summit will be held in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2025, followed by the second phase in China in the third quarter of 2025. The two-phase approach will ensure that key stakeholders from both nations are able to engage, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration in a range of sectors.

One of the core goals of the summit is to present credible investment opportunities to Chinese investors, especially in sectors where Nigeria holds a competitive advantage, such as oil and gas, agriculture, and renewable energy. China, being one of the world’s largest economies, has the financial muscle and technological expertise to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development across various industries. Therefore, creating an avenue for Nigerian businesses to forge partnerships with Chinese counterparts will foster growth, create jobs, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Nigeria.

The summit also aims to highlight the immense potential that Nigeria offers in terms of resources, human capital, and strategic location. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a rapidly growing population and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. The Nigerian government, through initiatives such as the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the National Economic Diversification Strategy, has demonstrated a commitment to attracting foreign investment and creating a conducive environment for business.

China’s increasing interest in Africa, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure development, manufacturing, and energy, presents an incredible opportunity for Nigeria to leverage its strengths and establish itself as a key player in the global economy. The summit will provide a platform for Nigerian companies to showcase their capabilities while simultaneously attracting Chinese investors and companies that are interested in exploring opportunities in Nigeria.

As a lawmaker representing a constituency where the majority of my constituents are traders, I am deeply invested in initiatives that promote trade, investment, and job creation. The Nigeria-China Summit offers an excellent opportunity for my constituents to benefit directly from the collaboration between Nigeria and China.

Idemili North and South is home to many small and medium-sized businesses, and the upcoming summit could serve as a springboard for these businesses to explore new markets, gain access to new technologies, and form partnerships that will expand their reach. Additionally, the summit will focus on sectors such as agriculture, construction, and renewable energy—areas where the potential for growth and innovation is vast.

The Nigerian government is increasingly recognizing the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth, and the summit will provide a platform for these businesses to connect with Chinese investors and companies that can provide the resources, expertise, and partnerships necessary for growth.

By creating an environment where Nigerian businesses can interact with global investors, the summit will help to unlock new opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth. It will also foster greater collaboration between local and international businesses, which will ultimately lead to the development of critical infrastructure, job creation, and an increase in exports, thereby improving the livelihoods of my constituents and millions of others across the country.

The oil and gas industry remains one of Nigeria’s most vital economic sectors, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, foreign exchange reserves, and government revenues. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, ensuring the continued growth and development of the oil and gas sector remains a priority.

The Nigeria-China Sustainable Trade, Investment, and Bilateral Relations Summit will focus heavily on the oil and gas sector, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices, technological innovation, and investment in exploration, production, and refining. China’s role in the global energy market has been growing steadily, and the summit will create a platform for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to benefit from China’s advancements in energy technology, infrastructure development, and financing.

Through the summit, Nigerian oil and gas companies will have the opportunity to showcase their projects and initiatives, including exploration, upstream, and downstream activities. They will also be able to engage with Chinese energy companies that are interested in partnering with Nigerian firms to develop key projects, particularly in the upstream and midstream segments of the oil and gas industry.

In addition to the private sector’s role, the Nigerian government’s regulatory bodies, such as the NUPRC, will be essential partners in facilitating collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese energy companies. The NUPRC plays a key role in regulating the upstream sector, ensuring that activities are carried out in accordance with best practices and that the country’s oil and gas resources are managed sustainably.

The visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission was an essential step in preparing for the Nigeria-China Sustainable Trade, Investment, and Bilateral Relations Summit, 2025. By informing the leadership of the NUPRC about the summit’s objectives and focus areas, I was able to emphasize the critical role that the oil and gas sector will play in fostering collaboration between Nigeria and China.

The two-phase summit, with the first phase taking place in Nigeria and the second phase in China, offers a unique opportunity for both nations to build on their already strong ties, unlocking new avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration. The sectors covered by the summit—including oil and gas, agriculture, power and renewable energy, construction, and more—are all vital to Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

I remain committed to ensuring that the summit benefits not only the broader Nigerian economy but also the people of Idemili North and South. Through partnerships with Chinese investors, Nigerian businesses can thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the development of their communities. The summit represents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and establish a sustainable foundation for growth, and I am confident that it will make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic future.