Nigeria has signalled a renewed push to reposition itself as a strategic hub in the global clean energy transition, with President Bola Tinubu declaring the country’s readiness to collaborate with African nations, international partners, and the private sector to deliver affordable, inclusive, and sustainable energy solutions.
The President made the declaration while inaugurating the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, an event that drew top government officials, global energy executives, development finance institutions, and representatives of host communities.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, framed energy not merely as an economic input but as a foundational pillar for national stability, industrial growth, and regional cooperation.
According to the President, energy remains the “invisible force” that sustains economies, stabilises societies, and shapes diplomatic relations among nations.
He stressed that Nigeria’s energy vision under his administration is anchored on trust, long-term investment, and a deliberate shift toward cleaner and more secure energy systems.
Nigeria clean energy partnership at the heart of reforms
At the centre of Tinubu’s message was Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen a Nigeria clean energy partnership framework that aligns domestic reforms with global climate and development goals.
He noted that while fossil fuels still play a significant role in the country’s energy mix, Nigeria is increasingly positioning natural gas as a transition fuel while scaling up renewable energy capacity.
“Energy must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation, and, above all, build trust between government, investors, and citizens,” the President said.
“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with Africa and the wider world to deliver energy that is secure, affordable, cleaner, and inclusive.”
He acknowledged that when his administration assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s energy sector was rich in potential but burdened by inefficiencies, regulatory uncertainty, and years of underinvestment.
These challenges, he said, constrained output, discouraged investors, and limited the sector’s ability to support broader economic growth.
Rather than treating energy purely as a commercial commodity, Tinubu explained that his government adopted a security- and development-driven approach, recognising energy as a catalyst for social inclusion, national security, and regional stability.
Petroleum Industry Act drives investor confidence
A major plank of the administration’s strategy, according to the President, has been the sustained implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which he described as the linchpin of Nigeria’s energy sector reforms.
He said the law has helped clarify regulatory roles, improve transparency, and restore investor confidence across the oil and gas value chain.
The impact of these reforms has been reflected in upstream activity. Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s rig count climbed from just eight rigs in 2021 to 69 rigs by late 2025, signalling a strong rebound in exploration and drilling activity.
He added that the sector has secured Final Investment Decisions exceeding $8bn, including major offshore gas projects involving global energy companies.
Foreign direct investment into the oil and gas subsector, he noted, has rebounded significantly, driven by regulatory certainty, fiscal incentives, and improved operating conditions.
These developments, Tinubu argued, form a critical bridge between Nigeria’s current hydrocarbon-based economy and its long-term clean energy ambitions.
Tackling crude oil theft and production losses
The President also highlighted progress in addressing crude oil theft, long considered one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s energy revenues and production reliability.
He said coordinated security operations, enhanced surveillance, and stricter regulatory enforcement have led to a marked decline in theft and vandalism.
According to him, the reduction in oil theft has helped restore operational stability, improve investor confidence, and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in international energy markets.
“These efforts are not just about boosting output,” Tinubu said. “They are about restoring trust in Nigeria as a reliable energy partner.”
Regional and continental energy cooperation
The summit underscored Nigeria’s growing role in shaping Africa’s energy future. Gambian President Adama Barrow, who attended the event, said Nigeria’s policy choices have implications beyond its borders, stressing that regional cooperation remains critical to addressing Africa’s energy deficits.
Similarly, Equatorial Guinea’s President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, urged African countries to move away from the export of raw energy resources and invest more aggressively in local processing and value addition for the benefit of future generations.
Within Nigeria, legislative backing for the energy transition also featured prominently. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in remarks delivered on his behalf, said energy policy in Africa must be tied to inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
He assured stakeholders that the National Assembly stands ready to provide the legal framework required to support reforms and long-term investments.
“When the energy system works, the economy grows more resilient,” Akpabio said, noting that legislative stability is essential for attracting capital into both traditional and renewable energy projects.
Clean energy transition amid economic pressures
Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions come at a time when the country is grappling with rising energy demand, fiscal constraints, and the global push to cut carbon emissions.
Tinubu’s administration believes that leveraging gas as a transition fuel, alongside solar, wind, and other renewables, offers a pragmatic pathway that balances economic realities with environmental responsibility.
By deepening a Nigeria clean energy partnership approach that involves governments, multilateral lenders, and private investors, the President said Nigeria aims to deliver energy solutions that are not only cleaner but also economically viable and socially inclusive.
As global energy dynamics continue to shift, Nigeria’s renewed push for collaboration signals an attempt to reposition Africa’s largest economy as both a reliable hydrocarbon producer and a serious participant in the global clean energy transition.
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