Danjuma Amodu | January 4, 2026
The 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026) provided another platform for Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, to emphasize the country’s focus on achieving an energy mix rather than abandoning its oil and gas resources.
He made this statement at the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026), highlighting Africa’s development should not be dictated by foreign interests
The event also marked a significant milestone with the handover of the African Energy Bank (AEB) to Nigeria, underscoring the country’s commitment to driving Africa’s energy agenda.
Minister’s Key Points
“We will not abandon our resources to satisfy anyone’s agenda,” Lokpobiri said. “Oil and gas remain critical for Nigeria’s development and for financing our transition. We will use what we have to get to where we want to go.”
The Minister cited research supporting an Africa-led energy mix, noting that little of the billions pledged at climate conferences has reached the continent.
Nigeria has implemented reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and launched “Project One Million Barrels” to increase production. International confidence has returned, with investments from Shell, TotalEnergies, and Chevron. Nigeria is strengthening refining capacity, liberalizing licensing, and investing in people.
The country focuses on energy mix, combining oil, gas, renewables, and emerging technologies for energy access and growth. Gas is a realistic bridge fuel, powering industries and stabilizing electricity.
Africa spends $120 billion annually on hydrocarbons, a staggering outflow of capital. Retaining hydrocarbon value means creating fiscal space for critical sectors like healthcare and education.
Lokpobiri emphasized Nigeria’s energy mix strategy, highlighting the Decade of Gas initiative for clean industrialization. Energy poverty is a major concern, with 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity. “Energy transition must start with energy security,” he said.
The Minister called for support for the African Energy Bank (AEB) to mobilize resources and solve Africa’s energy problems. Nigeria will lead, Africa will rise, and the world will feel it, Lokpobiri concluded.
Government Commitment
Government and industry stakeholders are committed to driving local content development, focusing on energy mix, indigenous capacity building, and sustainable value retention.
The NOGICD Act is being repositioned to support cost competitiveness, job creation, and economic growth, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to Africa’s collective industrial rise under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
