In this article, Oil & Gas expert, emphasizes that Nigeria needs collaboration alongside strategic investments, to fulfil its energy commitments.
James Arukhe, a renowned oil and gas expert, asserts that bridging this gap and reviving Nigeria’s oil sector is not just a matter of necessity but an opportunity for transformative growth.
He emphasized on the necessity for Nigeria to collaborate with the private sector and strategically invest to fulfill its energy commitments both domestically and globally.
Speaking in an interview on how Nigeria can turn the tide, Arukhe said the answer lies in strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, security, environmental sustainability, and human capital, coupled with policy reforms.
Arukhe underscored the need for the government’s backing for private investment, saying that President Bola Tinubu’s background in the oil and gas sector would be beneficial to the sector.
“By fostering a collaborative environment where the government and private entities operate in mutual respect, Nigeria can unlock unprecedented revenue streams, gradually overcoming its forex crisis,” he enthused.
The expert’s advocacy for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques and digital oilfield technologies aligns with his vision for a modernized, efficient, and resilient Nigerian oil sector.
His belief in the power of collaboration between government and industry players is founded on a proven track record of fostering high-performance teams and driving significant operational improvements across multinational corporations.
Arukhe suggested that Nigeria could boost its oil production capacities by implementing Brazil’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) model and changing its policies to encourage investments in deep-water oil deposits.
He stated: “Key strategies include streamlining regulatory processes for exploration and production licenses, offering fiscal incentives to attract private investment, and facilitating technology and expertise sharing between private firms and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
These measures, inspired by Brazil’s success with Petrobras and international oil companies, could significantly boost Nigeria’s oil sector, Arukhe added.
“To enhance Nigeria’s oil production and address environmental concerns, investments should focus on cleaner technologies like carbon capture and renewable energy integration. Implementing effective oil spill management systems and aligning with international environmental standards will minimize ecological impact.
‘’These measures will contribute to sustainable operations, balancing production efficiency with environmental protection, and align with global climate change initiatives’’, he noted.
With a rich background as a senior engineer and educator, Arukhe has shaped the production operations of the world’s largest oilfields, including those of Saudi Aramco, Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Petro-Canada. His portfolio of innovation, marked by over 40 U.S. patents, underscores commitment to advance the oil and gas sector through technology.
Arukhe’s patented turbine-powered pump systems for enhancing oil recovery, U.S. Patent No. 11,391,132, exemplifies his approach to tackling operational efficiencies and maximizing output, which could be transformative for Nigeria’s oil production landscape.
As a distinguished lecturer for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the founder of the Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Education Society (PCEES), Arukhe has consistently championed the integration of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices in oil and gas operations.
“Investments in digital oilfield technologies, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, and real-time monitoring systems are essential to optimize production processes and minimize downtime.”