The federal government has pledged to partner with the Kogi government to harness its natural resources for sustainable economic development.

Heineken Lokpobri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), stated this on Thursday in Abuja when Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi paid him a courtesy visit.

He restated the federal government’s commitment to mobilise investments to stimulate mineral exploration activities in the state in view of crude oil deposits for the overall strategic national interest.

According to Mr Lokpobri, the Petroleum Industry Act mandates that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) explore frontier basins in the country.

“We are doing bid rounds currently, and as a policy, states are encouraged to participate in the upstream; all you need to do is do the requisite exploration work towards getting oil in substantial quantity.

“As a confluence state, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources will partner with the state government to provide necessary support to extract its resources to the markets,” he said.

Mr Lokpobiri, who commended the governor for his good governance to the people and foresight, expressed optimism that crude production would hit 2.5 million barrels soon through concerted efforts.

Earlier, Mr Ododo solicited the ministry’s support to harness its untapped natural resources and advance oil exploration.

“We need your support and guidance to unlock our potential to ensure that the natural gift bestowed upon us by the Almighty God starts working for us,” he said.

Also speaking, Asiwaju Idris, the Kogi Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, said the governor was consolidating on the development plan his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, developed.

He said it was paramount to fast-track the blueprint, adding that the governor took it upon himself to gear a lot of investment towards securing the citizens, resources and investors.

Mr Idris advocated the establishment of a gas industrial park in view of the ongoing construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, which passed through the state.

He said this would encourage more industries and investors to take advantage of the gas expansion plan.

(NAN)