President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is set to commission the $400 million Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in Rivers State on October 8.
This historic project marks the first crude export facility to be built in Nigeria in over five decades, reinforcing Tinubu’s commitment to reviving the energy industry and boosting national productivity.
Located in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area, the terminal was developed by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), the operators of the Otakikpo Field in OML 11.
It represents a major breakthrough for indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry, being the first wholly Nigerian-built onshore terminal.
The last facility of this kind, the Forcados Terminal, was commissioned as far back as 1971, a gap that underscores the magnitude of this milestone.
President Tinubu’s decision to personally commission the terminal reflects his administration’s hands-on approach to economic diversification and energy reform.
Since taking office, Tinubu has emphasized the importance of maximizing Nigeria’s crude output while ensuring that local players take center stage in driving value creation.
This new terminal not only aligns with his policy of strengthening local content but also symbolizes a new era of self-reliance in the nation’s oil sector.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to draw top government officials, including the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, among other key stakeholders.
According to Olusegun Ilori, GEIL’s Executive-Director, Legal and Corporate Services, the Otakikpo terminal aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly his focus on addressing Nigeria’s crude evacuation challenges.
“Over the years, the inability to efficiently evacuate crude from marginal fields has limited production growth.
“This terminal is therefore a strategic solution that will enhance export capacity and ensure uninterrupted production.
“Beyond its technical importance, the Otakikpo Terminal represents a broader economic victory for Nigeria.
“It is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local economies in Rivers State, and attract further investments into the oil and gas value chain.
“By empowering indigenous operators, President Tinubu is ensuring that more of Nigeria’s wealth circulates within the domestic economy, a cornerstone of his inclusive growth vision.
“This achievement also underscores the administration’s broader success in restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“Through regulatory reforms, fiscal incentives, and improved security around oil-producing regions, the Tinubu government has created an enabling environment for major infrastructure projects to thrive.
“The Otakikpo Terminal stands as proof that with the right leadership, Nigeria can reclaim its position as Africa’s energy powerhouse.
“Furthermore, the project aligns with Tinubu’s pledge to optimize Nigeria’s crude oil production to meet OPEC quotas while expanding export opportunities,”.
By strengthening crude evacuation infrastructure, the administration is paving the way for increased revenue inflows, foreign exchange earnings, and national development funding.
In commissioning the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal, President Tinubu is not only reviving a dormant segment of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure but also sending a strong message of progress, resilience, and innovation.
