Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector have called on African nations to develop home-grown strategies that align with global energy transformations while protecting national interests and promoting inclusive growth.
The call was made in Abuja at the 18th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE), themed “Emerging Geopolitics of Energy: Navigating Global Shifts and Impacts on Developing Economies.”
The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and industry leaders to discuss Africa’s path toward sustainable energy security amid global transitions.
Dr. Tim Okun, Chief Executive of Teno Energy, urged the continent to pursue an African-driven industrial strategy anchored on import substitution and local manufacturing.
Citing the Dangote Refinery as a “market disruptor,” he stressed that Africa’s energy sustainability must be tied to industrialisation.
“We must master smaller, reliable 100 MW plants before chasing mega projects,” he advised.
Prof. Uche Uwaleke, President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, highlighted the need to synchronise Nigeria’s energy, finance, and governance frameworks to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market.
He said the capital market plays a key role in financing clean energy innovations and called for collaboration between NAEE and financial experts to design new instruments for the low-carbon transition.
From the regulatory front, Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)—represented by Prof. Zainab Gobir—emphasised that Nigeria’s transition must be grounded in realism and local adaptation.
He identified natural gas as the country’s most strategic transition fuel, citing efforts to expand gas infrastructure, foster competition, and promote public-private partnerships for pipelines, LPG, and CNG facilities.
Mohammed Haruna, Deputy General Manager at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), described the conference as timely, noting that the PTDF is investing heavily in scholarships, research, and new technologies such as hydrogen, biofuels, and advanced energy systems.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s partnership with NAEE and the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) to bridge the gap between research and industry practice.
Also speaking, Amina Janmadami, Council Chair of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria, said the convergence of geopolitical tensions, climate action, and technological change poses both risks and opportunities for Africa’s energy future.
At the end of the conference, participants agreed that Africa must define its own energy agenda, leveraging innovation, human capacity, and regional cooperation to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future.