Shane Harris, the managing director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, has clarified that the company is not exiting Nigeria, contrary to some reports.
Harris reportedly made this statement during a meeting with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of state for petroleum resources (Oil), in Abuja.
The company’s response followed reactions trailing its planned divestment of its entire stake in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.
Nneamaka Okafor, the petroleum minister’s special assistant on media and communications, spoke via a statement released in Abuja on Monday.
According to Punch, Harris reportedly stated that ExxonMobil, which began operations in Nigeria in 1955, is currently making new investments in the country’s oil and gas sector.
The statement partly read:
The statement also quoted the ExxonMobil executive expressing enthusiasm about the potential of these new investments.
It emphasised that partnership with the Nigerian government is essential for sustainable growth and highlighted that ExxonMobil looks forward to continuing this collaboration and has no intention of leaving the country.
Senator Lokpobiri praised the ExxonMobil team for their dedication to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, noting that it aligns well with the country’s goals.
The statement further mentioned that their discussions included the ministry’s support for both international and independent oil operators.
Lokpobiri reassured Harris of the government’s backing, stressing the importance of fostering a thriving environment for all stakeholders.
Lokpobiri said:
Recall that Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria also earlier refuted rumours of its intention to exit Nigeria following the sale of its onshore business.
Meanwhile, TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that economic analysts express concerns that Nigeria might face a severe economic crisis with the departure of certain multinational companies
They argue that the exit of these companies would cost Nigeria investments valued at over N500 trillion, leading to the loss of approximately 20,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect jobs.
They also insist that the challenges persist because the operating environment in the country remains unfavourable.
Proofreading by James Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
