Chief Timpre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, praised the Senegalese government’s efforts to secure Nigeria’s cooperation for the development of its oil and gas sector.
On Monday, Sylva presented the award to Senegalese Energy Minister Aissitou Sophie Gladima and her colleagues during their visit to Abuja.
He stated that Africa ought to band together and work together to provide for its people.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to greet you because, as I previously stated, it’s critical for us as a region to join together because, as they say, you have to say yes before someone else says yes to you.
“As Africans, we must band together to work toward a common goal; we cannot continue to rely on Europe and the rest of the world.
“In reality, it has been demonstrated that they cannot be accountable for our growth; we must assume full responsibility for our development, which is why we are delighted that you are here today,” he stated.
Nigeria had an edge, according to Sylva, because it had been in the oil and gas industry for a long time and had learned a lot of lessons as well as made some mistakes.
He stated that oil production in Nigeria began in 1937, but commercial discovery occurred in the 1950s, with the first commercial finding occurring in 1956 and the first cargo of crude leaving Nigeria in 1958.
He stated that oil production in Nigeria began in 1937, but commercial discovery occurred in the 1950s, with the first commercial finding occurring in 1956 and the first cargo of crude leaving Nigeria in 1958.
He pledged Nigeria’s support for the development of Senegal’s energy sector and pushed the country to join the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO).