- President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering globally to deliver cleaner, affordable, and secure energy.
- He cited ongoing reforms, rising investments, and increased oil and gas activity as evidence of sector recovery.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with African nations, global partners, and the private sector to deliver cleaner, affordable, inclusive, and secure energy.
He described energy as the invisible force that holds the modern world together. According to him, energy stabilises economies, sustains societies, and maintains balance among nations.
He made this statement in Abuja while declaring open the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at the event. The summit attracted heads of delegation, senior government officials, leaders of international energy organisations, chief executives of global and indigenous energy companies, development finance institutions, and host community representatives.
He emphasised that energy drives peace, prosperity, and global stability. Therefore, Nigeria is maximising its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel. At the same time, the country is expanding renewable energy capacity.
He stated that energy must unite communities, stabilise economies, and secure the future. In addition, energy must power factories, light homes, fuel innovation, and build trust between government, investors, and citizens. Consequently, Nigeria stands ready to work with Africa, global partners, and the private sector.
Tinubu recalled that his administration inherited a sector rich in potential in 2023. However, inefficiencies, uncertainty, and prolonged underinvestment constrained the sector. As a result, his government acted immediately. He stressed that energy is not just an economic commodity. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for national security, industrial growth, social inclusion, and regional cooperation.
He assured Nigerians that his government is building an energy system that delivers reliability, transparency, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
To achieve this, his administration sustained and deepened the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act. He positioned the Act as the backbone of sector reform. Furthermore, the government strengthened regulatory institutions to ensure clarity, transparency, and investor confidence.
As a result of these efforts, upstream activities recorded a historic rebound. Rig counts rose from eight in 2021 to 69 by late 2025. In addition, the sector secured Final Investment Decisions exceeding $8 billion, including major offshore gas projects. Consequently, foreign direct investment rebounded strongly due to regulatory certainty, fiscal reforms, and improved operating conditions.
Moreover, his administration reduced crude oil theft significantly. The government enhanced security coordination, strengthened surveillance, and enforced regulations strictly. These measures restored operational stability and improved Nigeria’s reliability in international markets.
At the same time, the government made deliberate leadership appointments across key institutions. These appointments strengthened professionalism, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.
He also implemented major economic reforms. Most notably, he removed the fuel subsidy and liberalised foreign exchange. These actions improved market efficiency and strengthened long-term investment attractiveness. Although Nigerians made sacrifices, the reforms laid the foundation for fiscal sustainability and resilience. Industry stakeholders and independent experts have since described the reforms as transformational.
He then formally declared the summit open and urged participants to engage constructively, invest confidently, and partner purposefully with Nigeria.
Gambian President Adama Barrow stated that Nigeria’s policies influence the entire region. Therefore, he called for strategic partnerships to strengthen regional energy security.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea urged Africa to stop exporting raw materials without processing them. Instead, he encouraged African countries to add value locally for future generations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirmed that energy in Africa represents inclusive and sustainable prosperity. Accordingly, he assured stakeholders that the National Assembly will provide legislative backing. He emphasised that when the energy system works, the economy becomes more resilient.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the summit as a call to action. He commended the Dangote Refinery, BUA, and other refiners for investing significantly in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stressed that collaboration remains essential. He noted that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda positions gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy security. Furthermore, the government continues to strengthen oil and gas stability while supporting regional integration.
Speaking on behalf of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, Adegbite Falade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings Plc, said gas production has grown significantly since 2025. He attributed this growth to approved reforms and executive orders that increased local ownership and enabled indigenous producers to thrive.
Finally, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, declared that Africa stands at a turning point. He asserted that Nigeria is well positioned to lead this transformation. He highlighted over 37 billion barrels of oil potential and described Nigeria as an emerging global energy powerhouse.