Petroleum Ministry Inaugurates Committee to Drive 2026–2030 National Development Plan
The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has inaugurated its Plan Implementation Committee for the forthcoming National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030, in line with the Federal Government’s directive to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to begin early preparations for a smooth transition from the current NDP 2021–2025.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja on Friday, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, who was represented by the Director of Midstream and Downstream, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed Abubakar.
Dr. Obi described the initiative as timely and critical, stressing that the petroleum sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, government revenues, foreign exchange earnings, and energy security. He noted that the committee would serve as the “engine room” for continuity and alignment with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria Agenda 2050.
“The committee was carefully constituted to draw from the knowledge, experience, and technical expertise of officers across the Ministry and its agencies,” he said. “Its mandate includes developing methodologies for evidence-based planning, ensuring sectoral alignment, and setting a clear roadmap for the successful implementation of the NDP 2026–2030.”
He urged members to approach their assignment with diligence, patriotism, and innovation, while fostering collaboration that will deliver a plan capable of meeting Nigeria’s development aspirations.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Obi, with the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Usman Abdulkadir, serving as co-chairman. Members include senior directors and technical experts from across the Ministry, alongside representatives from key petroleum sector agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI).
Speaking at the event, the Director of Plans and Projects Development, Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Kenneth Kwujeli, emphasized the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector in shaping the next development plan. He urged the committee to produce a framework that would create new budget lines capable of delivering direct and unprecedented benefits to Nigerians across the federation.
Earlier, Mr. Abdulkadir explained that with the 2021–2025 plan winding down at the end of the year, it had become imperative to craft a successor framework to sustain momentum and consolidate on achievements already recorded.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, agency representatives, and stakeholders across the petroleum sector.
