Nigerian to head US state’s oil and gas unit

A Nigerian, Uduak-Joe Ntuk, has been appointed the oil and gas supervisor at the US state of California.

The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, who announced this, said Ntuk would manage the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR).

The DOGGR is responsible for the regulation of drilling, operation and permanent closure of energy resource wells.

The division also prioritises the protection of the public and the environment in its oversight of the oil, natural gas, and geothermal industries within the largest state in the United States.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, Ntuk previously served as the Petroleum Administrator for the City of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the US.

Read also: NDDC owes N3 trillion to fake contractors, Akpabio’s Interim Com’ttee Director, Ojougboh, alleges

“In Los Angeles, he was responsible for oversight and policy of oil fields, gas storage facilities, petroleum refineries, and pipeline franchise agreements.

“Prior to joining the city of Los Angeles, he had worked for several companies, including Tyco, General Electric and Chevron.

“Being a technical professional with both public and private sector energy experience, he provided technical advice to the Mayor, City Council, and various City Departments,” the statement said.

The statement added that Ntuk, a strong believer in Nigeria and its potentials, had expressed his desire to share his expertise in the development of the Nigerian petroleum industry and the possibilities of building a mutually-beneficial relationship with California.

“A Nigerian-based oil and gas consulting company is exploring the possibilities and has initiated discussions regarding the building of a business relationship between the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the state of California through Mr. Ntuk.

“He is the first Nigerian-American to hold this position in California’s history and his family is from the Port City of Calabar, Cross River State,” the statement added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now