Nigeria’s vision for a sustainable energy future received a boost as the Federal Government and regulatory bodies assured industry players of their commitment to the cause, DARE OLAWIN reports
The debate about building a sustainable energy future for Nigeria and Africa came to the forefront when the Federal Government, which is the policymaker, and regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector joined operators and other stakeholders in pledging their commitment to combating energy poverty in the country.
At the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, ministers, regulators, industry players, and local and international oil companies gathered to chart a new course toward resolving Africa’s energy crisis, especially amid the global energy transition.
Themed ‘Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy’, the 2025 NAICE event had in attendance the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, were ably represented at the event, while the Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, joined the conference virtually to deliver his address.
Speaking, Lokpobiri stated that at a time when the global energy landscape is shaped by a complex interplay of forces, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, climate concerns, and increasing competition for resources, it is critical that stakeholders unite to find sustainable solutions.
According to him, technology remains one of the most crucial issues stakeholders must address in the ongoing energy crisis. He advised that innovation must persist as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources.
“From advanced and sophisticated acquisition to non-invasive techniques like airborne surveys, technology is making exploration more precise, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective. Furthermore, with the rise of artificial intelligence, we are witnessing a transformation in how oil and gas operations are managed, delivering higher productivity at lower costs and improving our ability to serve national development goals,” Lokpobiri said.
While Africa continues to explore and develop petroleum resources to generate revenue and support a balanced energy mix, the minister said it is essential that the continent develops the human capacity needed to drive and sustain sector growth.
He added that the Federal Government is committed to training and equipping Nigerians with the requisite skills to remain competitive in today’s evolving energy landscape.
To boost energy security, he appealed to engineering, procurement, and construction companies that have exited Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to return, saying that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has worked hard to make Nigeria an investment-friendly country.
“I would like to use this opportunity to make a strong case for engineering, procurement, and construction companies that have previously operated in Nigeria and have since exited. The current administration has worked tirelessly to ensure a more stable and investment-friendly business environment,” he said.
The oil minister emphasised the vital role engineering, procurement, and construction companies play in the energy sector, urging them to return to Nigeria, which he described as a dependable and rewarding destination.
“With reforms brought about by the Petroleum Industry Act and other strategic incentives, Nigeria is positioned as a dependable and rewarding destination for engineering, procurement, and construction companies. We recognise the pivotal role they play in infrastructure development, project execution, and technology transfer within the energy sector. Therefore, we invite you to return, reinvest, and become part of Nigeria’s renewed journey toward energy security and economic prosperity,” Lokpobiri said.
Earlier, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola, called on policymakers and regulators to collaborate with industry players to drive the growth of the sector. The monarch, who had a career in the oil and gas industry before ascending the throne, maintained that without deliberate and enabling policies and regulations, efforts to attain energy sufficiency would yield no results.
While commending the Olowu for his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, stated that the Commission is not just a regulator but also an enabler. He noted that the Commission had gazetted 21 new regulations for Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector in a sweeping move to unlock investment, streamline operations, and align industry practices with national and global priorities.
He said the theme of the conference captured the critical elements needed for the upstream sector to remain viable and in tune with global trends, stating, “At the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, we see this theme not as a future aspiration but as a present mandate. As the upstream industry regulator, our responsibility goes beyond compliance. We are focused on enabling a stable, efficient, and forward-looking upstream sector, one that balances energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic sustainability.
“We recognise that a reliable and vibrant supply chain is critical for reducing lead times, lowering costs, and strengthening national capacity. We have taken deliberate steps to create a regulatory environment that supports the growth of service companies, both international and indigenous. Our approach to regulatory enablement is geared toward the domestication of technology, promoting local manufacturing, and enhancing overall supply chain resilience.
“Human capital remains the most valuable asset of our industry. The Commission continues to collaborate with institutions, professional bodies, and training providers to enhance skills development, promote technical excellence, and ensure that our workforce is prepared for the challenges of a low-carbon future. We therefore charge the Society of Petroleum Engineers and other industry associations to take up the challenge of manpower development and contribute to repositioning the industry through targeted capacity building and engagement with young professionals, given the fast-evolving global energy landscape.”
Beyond regulation, Komolafe maintained that the Commission is implementing core initiatives to drive positive industry outcomes. The Commission, he said, has brought together industry practitioners to deliberate on workable strategies for cluster development in shallow- and deepwater assets.
“Through an industry-wide implementation vehicle, we will develop policy frameworks and operational mechanisms to unlock stranded or marginally economic oil and gas resources through joint development strategies. Similarly, the Commission is pursuing the Project 1 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day Incremental initiative, with modest gains recorded through a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach. We are pleased to report that we crossed the 1.8 million barrels of oil per day mark in peak production last month, with average production at 1.78 million barrels per day,” he noted.
Looking ahead, he urged all stakeholders to recognise that building a sustainable energy future will require trade-offs, innovation, and coordinated effort. He advised that the conversations at the conference “must be followed by action, by all of us.”
Similarly, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, noted that the global energy landscape continues to be shaped by volatility, geopolitical tensions, artificial intelligence, technological advancements, and carbon neutrality goals. He stated that building a sustainable energy future requires strategic planning, dedicated action, and continuous collaboration among all industry stakeholders.
Ahmed emphasised that Nigeria’s energy future is a critical driver for the nation’s ambition to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
He noted that access to affordable and clean energy is vital for catalysing strategic investments across industrial sectors and expanding the productive capacity of the economy.
“Nigeria must leverage all relevant resources to meet this energy demand in a sustainable and globally competitive manner. Technology is one of the most important assets to be harnessed in this regard.
“Since sustainable energy depends on efficient delivery systems, this includes integrated gas transportation and distribution networks, virtual pipelines, commodity exchange platforms, enhanced marine and land logistics, and liberalised markets. Policy clarity, transparency, and consistency are essential to attract investment and grow the sector, considering the mobility of capital and competition from other energy-producing jurisdictions.
“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is committed to supporting these goals through our carefully crafted regulations and ongoing stakeholder engagements. We will continue to collaborate with other regulatory agencies, industry players, development partners, and professional societies like the Society of Petroleum Engineers to ensure the petroleum industry remains sustainable and contributes meaningfully to national development. As regulators, we reaffirm our commitment to enabling investment, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability across the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors,” Ahmed said.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to advance a sustainable energy future through increased gas utilisation. He said the adoption of digital solutions, automation, and data-driven tools across the gas value chain is essential. From reservoir monitoring to distribution analytics, emerging technologies, he stated, can enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and optimise delivery.
“The Ministry continues to collaborate with industry players to foster digital innovation. A strong local supply chain is essential to sustaining the gas economy. We are promoting local equipment manufacturing, pipe production, and other critical components that reduce import dependence and build national resilience. Our human capital remains our greatest asset. We are committed to nurturing a technically sound, diverse, and future-ready workforce through continuous training, strategic industry partnerships, and deliberate youth and gender inclusion policies in the gas sector.
“We are implementing market-reflective gas pricing frameworks, encouraging deepwater gas development, and enforcing domestic supply obligations to boost investor confidence and expand the sector. Nigeria’s pathway to a sustainable energy future must be collaborative. The government alone cannot achieve this vision. We need the insight of professionals like you, the enterprise of our private sector, the innovation of our youth, and the support of global partners. I commend the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council for sustaining this invaluable platform. Your work continues to shape the future of our industry and our nation.
“As I conclude, I plead to say that this is not a period for distractions. All regulatory and institutional mechanisms put in place should be allowed to function effectively so that the ambition and aspiration of Mr President can be achieved in the shortest possible time. I urge you all to continue pushing boundaries, sharing knowledge, and developing solutions. Together, we can build a gas-powered energy future that drives prosperity, inclusion, and sustainability for generations to come. Nigeria must move from an energy-poor nation to one that enjoys energy security,” Ekpo said.
Meanwhile, it is clear that while challenges persist, from infrastructure gaps to regulatory hurdles, the collective commitment expressed by policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders signals a readiness to shift from rhetoric to results. If sustained, this alignment could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey from energy poverty to energy security, and from potential to prosperity.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).