Tinubu Advocates for Local Firms in Oil Contracts

On October 23, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to provide better opportunities for competent Nigerian engineering and manufacturing firms in major energy projects. This statement was made while receiving Leemon Ikpea, Founder and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The meeting focused on Lee Engineering's role in constructing two midline compressor stations in Edo State, which are essential for increasing the operating pressure of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System to its full capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily. Tinubu emphasized that the "Nigeria First" policy should lead to more contracts for capable Nigerian firms and greater use of locally manufactured equipment.

He also mentioned his administration's 2024 executive orders aimed at enhancing local content compliance and attracting investment. Ikpea praised the Nigeria First Policy and noted that Lee Engineering's fabrication yard in Warri is equipped with advanced technology for the compressor stations.