President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with African countries, global stakeholders and the private sector to deliver secure, affordable, cleaner and inclusive energy solutions.
The President made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described energy as the backbone of modern society and a critical driver of peace, prosperity and global stability.
He said Nigeria is prioritising the use of its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel while expanding renewable energy capacity to support sustainable development.
According to him, energy must unite communities, stabilise economies and secure the future by powering industries, illuminating homes and strengthening trust between governments, investors and citizens.
President Tinubu recalled that his administration inherited an energy sector constrained by inefficiencies, uncertainty and underinvestment in 2023. He noted that reforms were immediately introduced to reposition the sector as a catalyst for national security, industrial growth and regional cooperation.
The President assured that his government remains committed to building a transparent, reliable and sustainable energy system that promotes shared prosperity.
Highlighting key achievements, he disclosed that Nigeria’s upstream sector recorded a major rebound, with rig counts rising from eight in 2021 to sixty-nine by late 2025.
He added that the sector secured over eight billion dollars in Final Investment Decisions, including offshore gas projects involving international energy companies, while foreign direct investment rebounded due to regulatory clarity and fiscal reforms.
President Tinubu also revealed that crude oil theft has significantly declined following improved security coordination, surveillance and regulatory enforcement, leading to better production stability and market confidence.
He further stated that reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation have improved market efficiency, strengthened fiscal resilience and enhanced long-term investor confidence.
Formally declaring the summit open, President Tinubu urged participants to engage constructively, invest confidently and partner purposefully with Nigeria.
Earlier, Gambian President Adama Barrow said Nigeria’s energy policies have regional implications, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships for energy security.
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Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw materials and focus on value-added processing.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented at the summit, described energy as central to inclusive and sustainable development, assuring that the National Assembly remains committed to providing legislative support.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the summit as a call to action, commending major investors including Dangote Refinery and BUA for strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has positioned gas as a pillar of Nigeria’s energy security.
Speaking for indigenous producers, Aradel Holdings CEO Adegbite Falade said gas production has grown significantly since 2025, with reforms boosting local participation and ownership.
Meanwhile, NNPC Limited Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said Nigeria is well placed to lead Africa’s energy transition, citing the country’s estimated 37 billion barrels of oil potential.
