Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), told Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Governor, that the Federal Government will resolve the ownership dispute around the Atala oil field Promptly.

The Bayelsa State Government, through Bayelsa Oil Company Limited, was initially a partner in the field along with other companies.

Atala oil field, OML 46, has been embroiled in controversy regarding its ownership and Operation.

The Department of Petroleum Resources, now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, revoked BOCL’s licence, citing lack of production in 2020.

Thus, Bayelsa State believes that the revocation was unfair and that the field should be returned to the state. The Senate even backed this view. Halkin Exploration and Production Limited currently operates the field.

However, Bayelsa State and others are pushing for a reversal. The situation remains unsolved, with arguments going around rightful ownership and development of the resources.

Nneamaka Okafor, the Special Assistant, media and communication  to the Minister made this known while in Abuja that Lokpobiri, who played host to Diri, told his guest that the matter would be resolved promptly on Thursday.

The statement read in part, “In response to Governor Diri’s appeal for the ministry’s intervention in restoring the Atala oil field belonging to Bayelsa State, the minister assured prompt attention to the matter.”

The statement further quoted Lokpobiri as saying, “We will look into the issue promptly and ensure fairness and equity in addressing state concerns.”

He also emphasised the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with state governments, particularly Bayelsa State, in advancing energy sector transformation efforts.

“We are open to partnerships with the Bayelsa State Government for mutual progress,” Lokpobiri noted.

Diri congratulated the minister on his appointment and commended his performance in transforming Nigeria’s energy sector.