Joseph Bakare
Nigeria has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with African nations, global partners and the private sector to deliver cleaner, affordable, inclusive, and more secure energy.
President Bola Tinubu, who stated this noted that energy plays a critical role as the invisible force holding the modern world together, as well as the quiet architecture of balance among nations, and the unseen hand that steadies economies and sustains societies.
He stated this on Tuesday in Abuja when he declared open, the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit, attended by heads of delegation and senior government officials from across the globe, as well asc leaders of international energy organisations.
Tinubu, who was represented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that while energy remains central to peace, prosperity, and global stability, Nigeria is focusing on utilizing its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel and expanding renewable energy capacity.
“Energy must unite communities, stabilise economies, and secure futures. It must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation, and build trust between government, investors, and citizens.
“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with Africa, global partners, and the private sector to deliver energy that is secure, affordable, cleaner, and inclusive,” he declared.
The President recalled that even though his administration inherited an energy sector that was rich in potential, it was however, “constrained by inefficiencies, uncertainty, and prolonged underinvestment.
“We set to work without fanfare, guided by the clear understanding that energy cannot be treated simply as an economic commodity if stability is our goal. Energy is a catalyst for national security, industrial growth, social inclusion, and regional cooperation.”
Commitment
Tinubu assured guests that his government was fully committed to “building an energy system that delivers reliability, transparency, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”
Under his watch, President Tinubu said crude oil theft, which had been a major constraint on production and revenue, declined significantly due to enhanced security coordination, surveillance, and regulatory enforcement, adding that the efforts paid off, as they restored operational stability and improved Nigeria’s production reliability in international markets.
Formally declaring the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit open, the Nigerian leader implored participants “to engage constructively, invest confidently, and partner purposefully with Nigeria.”
Gambian President, Adama Barrow, who also attended the summit, observed that Nigeria’s policies have implications far beyond its borders, noting that working together through strategic partnerships is key to regional solutions and energy security.
President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, maintained that Africa must cease to be merely an exporter of raw materials and focus on processing them for the betterment of future generations.
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in a speech that was read on his behalf, averred that in Africa, energy is not just about resources but about inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
He assured the gathering that the National Assembly is ready to work with relevant stakeholders through legislative backing, agreeing that when the energy system works, the economy grows more resilient.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said the gathering was a call to action to make energy a champion for advancement.
He commended private refiners for making significant investments in Nigeria’s energy sector.
His counterpart, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), noted that while collaboration is essential in building a reliable energy system, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already positioning gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy security.
He assured that the government was strengthening oil and gas stability while supporting regional integration and building on the meaningful gains recorded in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings Plc, Adegbite Falade, said gas production in Nigeria has grown significantly since 2025, with indigenous producers increasingly allowed to thrive.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Ojulari, who also lent his voice, stressed that Africa is at a turning point in the energy sector.
He said Nigeria is well positioned to lead this charge, with over 37 billion barrels of oil potential, making the country an emerging global energy powerhouse.