By Danlami Nasir Isah
The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has announced that indigenous oil and gas companies now contribute more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas production, marking a major industry inflexion point as the group commemorated its 10th anniversary in Abuja.
At the IPPG 10th Anniversary Dinner, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Governors’ Council and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings, Adegbite Falade, delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on a decade of indigenous growth, policy engagement, industry reform and future production ambition.
Falade opened the event with appreciation to stakeholders, saying it was “a great honour and privilege, on behalf of IPPG, to welcome you to this special evening as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, a decade defined by purpose, partnership, and impact.”
Having recently commenced his tenure as chairman, he expressed gratitude to members for entrusting him with the leadership of the influential producers’ group. He paid tribute to the founders and his predecessors for building “a solid foundation upon which we continue to build.”
A highlight of the speech was his special acknowledgement of the immediate past chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR, whom he praised for serving “with unparalleled distinction” and steering the group through “a transformative era of strategic advancements and strengthened industry influence.” He also recognised former FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company CEO, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, now Governor of the OPEC Board, for laying enduring groundwork that strengthened indigenous participation in Nigeria’s E&P sector.
Falade traced the group’s origins to 2015, recalling that IPPG was founded by “progressive indigenous exploration and production companies, united not just to promote collective interest, but to advocate for the advancement of Nigeria’s energy sector and maximise contribution to national socioeconomic development.
“In the last decade, IPPG has been at the forefront of strengthening indigenous participation and capacity in the oil and gas industry,” he said, adding that local producers’ rise to 50 per cent of national hydrocarbon output “is a testament to the giant strides accomplished by IPPG.” He drew applause from the audience, describing the milestone as proof that Nigerian operators have grown from participants to strategic pillars of national production.
Commending the Tinubu administration, Falade said the progress “would not have been possible without the monumental support and progressive reforms embarked upon by the current government.” He extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as sector leaders, regulators and industry partners for driving investor confidence, enabling divestment cycles and strengthening Nigeria’s production environment.
Falade further applauded Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen; the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); the Niger Delta Power Holding Company; and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), led by Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, for their “tireless execution of the administration’s agenda for the industry.”
Looking ahead, Falade outlined IPPG’s strategic priorities for the next decade, strongly aligning the group’s vision with national production goals, especially as international oil company (IOC) divestments shift responsibility to local operators.
“Today, with the conclusion of the last round of IOC divestments, national responsibility is now firmly on the shoulders of our members, and we cannot afford to fail,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the administration’s aspiration to scale national production to 3 million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day by 2030 is “achievable but will require concerted effort, commitment, and collaboration.”
He listed five core pillars that will guide IPPG over the next decade:
Acting as a catalyst for economic transformation and industrialisation by creating stronger linkages between oil, gas and the broader Nigerian economy.
Upgrading and expanding critical energy infrastructure, including pipelines and terminals, to enhance efficiency and supply reliability for both domestic and export markets.
Deepening engagement with host communities to foster shared responsibility and prosperity for Niger Delta stakeholders.
Strengthening capacity-building initiatives to create a pipeline of highly skilled talent for the industry’s future.
Embedding governance and social responsibility by integrating ethical, environmental and sustainability considerations into core business operations.
Falade also stressed that the next decade will demand innovation and best practices, noting that “global and domestic events continue to reshape the industry outlook” and that IPPG will continue to evolve by “embracing technology, fostering dialogue, and promoting industry-wide collaboration.”
He concluded by urging members and stakeholders to “take pride in what has been achieved, reconnect with one another, and recommit to the shared values that bind us together,” adding that the evening promised to deliver “insightful discourse, networking and strategic engagement.”
The event was attended by trustees and executives of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy companies, underscoring the growing dominance of local operators in marginal fields, divested onshore and shallow-water assets, and domestic gas development.
IPPG reiterated its commitment to working with policymakers and investors to sustain production growth, support infrastructure expansion and deepen the role of indigenous companies in delivering long-term energy security for Nigeria.