- The African energy transition must align with national realities, supporting development and energy security while pursuing global decarbonisation goals.
- The transition must be just, inclusive, and balanced, enabling nations to utilise their natural resources responsibly and promote sustainable growth.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has emphasised that Africa’s energy transition must reflect the continent’s unique circumstances. He made this clear during a ministerial panel session titled “Global Shifts: Navigating an Era of Diverging Priorities” at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). He noted that energy transition policies should prioritise development, energy access, and economic stability rather than be shaped by external influence.
Dr Ekpo stated that while Nigeria supports global decarbonisation efforts, such goals must not hinder growth. “Nigeria and Africa cannot decarbonise into poverty,” he said. “We must be allowed to use our resources responsibly to achieve energy security, industrialise, and ensure sustainable progress.”
He stressed that Africa’s energy transition must be sequential, fair, and balanced. A rushed approach, he warned, could deepen poverty and widen inequality. Currently, approximately 80 million Nigerians live without access to electricity. Across the continent, more than 600 million people still lack power. Millions also rely on biomass for cooking, which harms health and the environment.
Dr Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s plan to use natural gas as a bridge fuel for growth. He explained that gas plays a key role in power generation, manufacturing, transportation, and clean cooking. It offers a cleaner, more reliable alternative while supporting industrial development. At the same time, Nigeria is expanding renewable energy in areas where it is most effective, complementing gas use and reducing emissions.
However, he admitted that renewables alone cannot yet power heavy industries or meet national electricity demand. “We are using our abundant natural gas to drive economic growth and ensure a fair, inclusive, and sustainable transition,” he said.
The minister’s comments came as the global energy sector faces major adjustments. Governments worldwide are striving to strike a balance between sustainability, affordability, and energy access. Many nations are modernising old infrastructure and investing in renewables to secure reliable energy. The question, Dr Ekpo suggested, is not whether to decarbonise but how to do so without harming growth or stability.
Ultimately, his message was clear: Africa’s path to net zero must fit its development goals. A pragmatic and locally driven approach to the African energy transition remains essential for lasting prosperity.