FG Expresses Commitment To Resolve Atala Oil Field Ownership Dispute
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Thursday, while speaking to the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, stated that the Federal Government would resolve the ownership dispute around the Atala oil field promptly.
There has been a controversy on Atala oil field, OML 46, regarding its ownership and operation. The Bayelsa State Government, through Bayelsa Oil Company Limited, was initially a partner in the field along with other companies.
But in 2020, the Department of Petroleum Resources, now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, revoked BOCL’s licence, citing lack of production.
However, Bayelsa State said the revocation was unfair and demand that the field should be returned to the state. The Senate even backed this view. Halkin Exploration and Production Limited currently operates the field.
Currently, Bayelsa State and others are working hard for a reversal. The situation remains unresolved, with arguments centering around rightful ownership and development of the resource.
But according to a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the minister, it was stated that Lokpobiri, who played host to Diri, told his guest that the matter would be resolved promptly.
It said,, “In response to Governor Diri’s appeal for the ministry’s intervention in restoring the Atala oil field belonging to Bayelsa State, the minister assured prompt attention to the matter.”
Lokpobiri was quoted saying, “We will look into the issue promptly and ensure fairness and equity in addressing state concerns.”
The minister further explained the key objectives aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the energy sector to include increasing investments by International Oil Companies and boosting crude production to enhance Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.
Diri applauded the minister on his appointment and commended his performance in transforming Nigeria’s energy sector.
He said, “I commend the minister for his remarkable performance in revitalising our energy sector and urge him to continue the good work."