Uche Cecil Izuora
Ghana is proposing to import refined petroleum products from Nigeria to boost the country’s energy security and sustain business cooperation with her neighbours.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Petroleum Authority of Gnana, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, at the opening panel session at the 18th Africa Downstream Energy Week (OTL) in Lagos, with the the theme, “Alliances of Growth” said the country would take the steps to sign agreement with Dangote Refinery to start importation of products.
This he said will end reliance of products import from Rotterdam by the Ghana which it considered more expensive.
Abdul-Hamid, said Ghana has opened key export agreements with her neighbours which include Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to provide products to international operational facilities especially military facilities operated by the United States of America.
He said in view of the huge investment by Dangote refinery and volume of refined products from the refinery which will take care of Nigeria’s domestic demand the excess will be exported and Ghana will be will to take much of the products.
Earlier, the Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Farouk Ahmed, spoke on the need to expand regional cooperation as Africa pushes for energy transition.
Farouk, said the present administration has made bold fiscal reforms to enhance crude oil production and efforts are being made to meet the 3 million barrels daily production.
The NMDPRA Chief noted that the downstream imdustry is key in providing the platform for the country energy transition initiative.
He pointed to ease of doing business and various interventions and incentives of the Federal Government to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquified Natural Gas (CNG) expansion.
Also in her remarks, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, represented by Mrs. Eriye Onagoruwa, said Nigeria boasts an oil and gas sector in operations for over 80 years, but we have only captured about 4 per cent since 2016.
Verheijen said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has created a more transformed environment for efficiency and transparency with incentives to promote LNG and CNG equipment, as well as electrical vehicles.
The Federal Government has invested over $75 million in launching CNG systems to encourage cleaner energy usage.
“We are determined to provide a cleaner cooking option which comes with affordability.
“Nigeria has the capacity to make refineries perform better through collaboration and these alliances are needed to change the outlook of the industry.
“We must continue to have this conversation towards reshaping our oil and gas sector.” she said.
In his sppech, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the theme of the conference is timely and vital as the country’s journey toward a sustainable, inclusive energy future requires partnerships that drive innovative solutions, empower industries, and enhance the quality of life for all Africans.
Sanwo-Olu, said “Today, we are at a defining moment in Africa’s energy evolution, and Lagos State, as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, is deeply aware of the critical role energy plays in shaping our collective future.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that Lagos remains a leader in energy innovation, investment, and sustainability. We are not just participants in this journey—we are setting the pace for energy reform and economic growth.”
The Governor said that through concerted efforts, the State has established itself as an environment that welcomes investment, encourages technological advancement, and champions sustainable practices.
He said the state government is taking bold steps toward a cleaner energy future.
From harnessing solar energy for street lighting to building mini-grids and exploring cleaner fuel options for our transportation sector, the government he sisd is paving the way.
“But this vision cannot be achieved in isolation. We need the private sector’s expertise, the innovation of young entrepreneurs, and partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. Together, our collective efforts will drive the kind of innovation that transforms energy across Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa.
” I am also delighted that Lagos has this platform to present our progress and invite investors into our journey. Our work in Lagos demonstrates our commitment not only to our energy sector but to the dynamism of our people. This exhibition offers a chance to showcase the advantages of Lagos as an investment destination that values sustainability, creates jobs, and fosters inclusive growth.” Sanwo-Olu added.