Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed that the state possesses the largest deposit of bitumen in Nigeria and the second-largest in the world, noting that the resource remains largely untapped.
He added that Ondo ranks fifth among hydrocarbon-producing states in Nigeria, with an output of about 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, contributing significantly to national energy security.
The governor made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held in Lagos. He called for proactive, homegrown solutions to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products and lower the cost of fuel for domestic use.
Addressing industry players, experts, and policymakers at the event themed “Revitalizing the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development,” Aiyedatiwa noted that the oil and gas sector has been a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy for over seven decades, funding critical infrastructure and development projects nationwide.
He emphasised the need for the country to pursue a balanced energy mix that incorporates renewable energy as part of ongoing efforts to diversify revenue sources beyond oil. The Governor recalled that in July 2025, his administration signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Backbone Infrastructure Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to establish a 500,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, “This project will not only boost domestic refining capacity but also create thousands of jobs and support the Federal Government’s drive toward achieving energy sufficiency.”
Aiyedatiwa also commended NAPE’s leadership for building a vibrant professional community of explorationists and geoscientists who continue to drive innovation and discovery within Nigeria’s energy sector.
He congratulated the incoming President of NAPE, Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi, an indigene of Ondo State, wishing her a successful tenure marked by innovation and impactful leadership that would strengthen the association’s legacy of excellence and service.
Earlier in his remarks, NAPE President, Mr. Johnbosco Uche, described the conference as a strategic platform for sharing insights, knowledge, and innovations that will shape the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
