Co-host of the Arise Morning Show, Dr Reuben Abati, has criticized the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, over his comments suggesting that Nigeria is expecting a $50 billion investment in the oil sector by December 2024.

During an interview on Tuesday, October 8, Lokpobiri stated that foreign and local investors’ concerns are being addressed, along with efforts to boost oil production to about 2.7 million barrels per day.

He further mentioned that Nigeria remains a titan of African energy and anticipates $50 billion in investments in the sector by the end of the year.

Lokpobiri also claimed that the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revolutionised the oil sector in the past year, making it very attractive to both local and foreign investors.

In response to Lokpobiri’s comments, Dr Abati slammed the Minister for his claims. He noted that the Minister often misspeaks and suggested that if he has nothing substantive to say, he should remain silent.

Abati stated, “He does not know what he is talking about. He constantly puts his foot in his mouth.

Let him just stay in his allegiance to Nyesom Wike, where he can speak with great certainty.

The other time he was saying the refineries will produce so, so, so….no refinery is producing anything ..now he is saying $50 billion worth of investment by December…because Tinubu is a miracle worker.

December is just two months away. If the Minister has nothing to say, he should keep quiet.’’