Abirhire seeks clear rules for Nigeria oil
An ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, has stated that regulatory clarity and human capital development are essential for unlocking the nation’s oil and gas potential. Executive Director Etabuko Abirhire, speaking at a petroleum conference in Lagos, explained that Nigeria’s ambitious production targets require streamlined regulations and strong partnerships to attract necessary investment.
Abirhire acknowledged that recent reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act have boosted investor confidence. He emphasized, however, that the speed and clarity of implementing these policies remain critical for success. He also highlighted his company’s use of advanced technology and collaboration with national bodies to improve project efficiency.
In response, a legal adviser for the upstream regulator, Olayemi Adeboyejo, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to transparent and adaptable regulation. The official stated that the regulatory framework is designed to build investor confidence and ensure competitiveness, noting an ongoing openness to stakeholder feedback.

