- NUPRC unveils a long-term “Energy Evolution” roadmap (2030–2060) to expand access, drive growth, and achieve net-zero by 2060.
- The strategy positions natural gas as a transition fuel while scaling clean energy and global investment inflows.
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has introduced a long-term energy plan to drive economic growth, expand access, and address climate concerns. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan announced the plan at the Offshore Technology Conference 2026 in Houston, where she presented Nigeria’s “Energy Evolution” roadmap.
The roadmap outlines a transition strategy from 2030 to 2060. It combines Nigeria’s fossil fuel resources with long-term sustainability goals. In particular, it expands renewable energy while positioning natural gas as a key transition fuel for industries, households, and emerging technologies.
Eyesan emphasised that the strategy promotes an integrated and inclusive energy future. It will scale cleaner energy sources while using gas to maintain economic stability and support growth.The plan prioritises reducing energy poverty, especially in rural areas where many households still rely on biomass for cooking.
She also called for stronger international collaboration. She urged global investors to commit capital to upstream oil and gas, offshore energy innovation, and decentralised power systems.
Despite the global shift toward cleaner energy, Nigeria will continue to rely on upstream oil and gas as a core pillar of its energy mix. Eyesan highlighted the country’s resource base, noting that gas reserves could last about 85 years. Meanwhile, oil reserves could last around 59 years. These resources position Nigeria as a potential regional energy hub and a reliable global supplier.
She pointed to shifting global trends, noting that oil’s share of global energy consumption has declined over time. However, she stressed that Nigeria’s primary challenge remains energy access rather than decarbonisation alone.
The roadmap builds on Nigeria’s energy history, from coal production in Enugu to the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956. It aligns with the government’s “Gas-First” policy, which prioritises natural gas for power generation, industrial use, and economic development.
Major infrastructure projects, including Nigeria LNG Train 8 and the AKK and OB3 pipelines, will support this strategy. These projects are expected to unlock up to two billion cubic feet of gas per day for industries, power generation, and fertiliser production.
In addition, Nigeria is intensifying efforts to end gas flaring and expand cleaner domestic energy use. The roadmap aligns with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, which targets net-zero emissions by 2060. Investments in renewable energy, offshore wind, ocean technologies, and carbon capture will further reduce emissions while sustaining production.
Eyesan concluded that achieving this vision will depend on sustained collaboration among government, investors, and industry players. She stressed that while upstream resources remain critical, innovation and partnership will determine the pace and success of Nigeria’s energy transition.