- Reuben Abati criticized Minister Heineken Lokpobiri’s claims about Nigeria’s oil sector, suggesting they are unrealistic and unfounded amid rising fuel prices
- Abati urged Lokpobiri to remain silent if he lacks substantial insights, questioning the feasibility of attracting $50 billion in investments
Reuben Abati, co-host of ARISE Television’s The Morning Show, has strongly criticized Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, for his recent remarks on Nigeria’s fuel situation.
Earlier in Abuja, Lokpobiri had announced that Nigeria expects a $50 billion investment in its oil sector by December, claiming that local and foreign investors’ concerns were being addressed.
He added that with efforts to boost oil production to 2.7 million barrels daily, Nigeria remains a major energy player in Africa.
Lokpobiri credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies with revitalizing the oil industry, stating that these efforts have made the sector more attractive to investors.
However, during a live broadcast, Abati expressed disbelief over Lokpobiri’s statements, accusing the minister of making unfounded claims. Abati suggested that Lokpobiri should remain silent if he had nothing substantial to say, calling his remarks unrealistic.
“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He constantly puts his foot in his mouth. If the Minister has nothing to say, he should keep quiet,” Abati said.
He further criticized Lokpobiri for previously making claims about refinery production that have yet to materialize, questioning the plausibility of securing $50 billion in oil investments in such a short timeframe.
Abati’s criticism comes after Lokpobiri, two weeks prior, credited his ministerial appointment to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Lokpobiri had revealed that Wike influenced his nomination during an event held by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt.
During that event, Lokpobiri explained that his appointment was the result of Wike’s direct intervention, recounting how the process started at Wike’s home in Port Harcourt and concluded at his residence in Abuja.
He expressed gratitude to Wike for his support, acknowledging his pivotal role in securing the position.