Vice President Kashim Shettima has commissioned the ultra-modern corporate headquarters of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited in Victoria Island, Lagos, describing the facility as a transformative development for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and a symbol of indigenous enterprise excellence.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Shettima said the state-of-the-art headquarters reflects Northwest Petroleum’s commitment to innovation, growth, and long-term participation in the evolving global energy landscape.
He noted that the new facility not only represents the expansion of one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous downstream oil and gas companies but also provides a world-class environment designed to foster collaboration, professional development, and operational efficiency.
“We take particular pride in seeing an indigenous enterprise expand with such conviction. Nigerian ownership must mean Nigerian capacity to compete, invent and deliver,” the Vice President said.
According to him, the headquarters brings strategic leadership and innovation under one roof, sending a strong signal to investors, customers, and stakeholders that Northwest Petroleum is positioning itself for sustained growth and relevance in the global energy economy.
Shettima attributed renewed confidence and investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of petroleum subsidies and reforms in the foreign exchange market.
He said the measures have helped eliminate long-standing distortions that discouraged productive investment and have improved market stability.
“The stabilisation of the market is restoring the confidence businesses need to commit capital beyond the next quarter. A business must be able to plan before it can expand. Greater exchange rate predictability strengthens procurement, improves investment decisions and supports production,” he stated.
The Vice President assured investors that the Federal Government would continue to create an environment that rewards enterprise, promotes technological advancement, and drives sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized the critical role of private sector investment in national development, noting that prosperity cannot be achieved through government policies alone.
“The government cannot manufacture prosperity by proclamation. We need private enterprises that transform investment into employment and opportunity,” he said, commending Northwest Petroleum for building a strong Nigerian presence across the oil and gas value chain since its establishment in 1998.
Shettima expressed confidence that the new corporate headquarters would create opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthen industry expertise, and generate broader economic benefits for surrounding communities through increased demand for support services and local businesses.
Congratulating the company’s Board and management, led by Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Winifred Akpani, he said the facility would serve as a hub for creativity, innovation, and service excellence.
“It is now my distinct honour to officially commission the Corporate Head Office of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, to the glory of God and for the progress and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the private sector as the engine of economic growth and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining an enabling business environment.
He commended Vice President Shettima for his continued support for national development and praised investors for their contributions to Lagos’ growth as Nigeria’s commercial capital.
“On behalf of Lagosians, I thank all investors in the oil and gas, financial services, and construction sectors for your continued commitment to making Lagos the economic hub of the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking, Northwest Petroleum Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Winifred Akpani, said the new headquarters symbolizes the company’s growth, resilience, and confidence in Nigeria’s future.
According to her, the smart building was designed to enhance collaboration, improve operational efficiency, encourage innovation, and empower employees as the company adapts to changes in the global energy industry.
“This smart building stands as a symbol of our long-term commitment to Nigeria’s future. It provides a modern environment designed to promote collaboration, strengthen operational efficiency, encourage innovation, and empower the talented people who drive our business,” Akpani said.
She stressed that the future of the energy sector would increasingly depend on innovation, technology, responsible investment, strategic partnerships, and the development of Nigerian talent.
The commissioning ceremony attracted several prominent personalities, including former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori, Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, and other business leaders and industry stakeholders.
