Policymakers, regulators commit to sustaining Nigeria’s energy future

Nigeria’s ambition for a secure and sustainable energy future received a significant boost as key policymakers, regulators, and energy industry leaders convened at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos to reaffirm their commitment to tackling energy poverty and driving growth through innovation, policy, and partnership.

🔌 United for Progress

At the high-profile event themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy,” the Federal Government joined forces with regulators and stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for energy reform amidst global transitions.

The conference featured insights from:

• Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri

• Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo

• NUPRC CEO, Gbenga Komolafe

• NMDPRA CEO, Farouk Ahmed

• NNPC Ltd GCEO, Bayo Ojulari

• Royal remarks by the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola

💡 Innovation, Tech, and Capacity at the Core

Lokpobiri emphasised the growing complexity of the global energy landscape and the pivotal role of technology in achieving sustainable progress. He called for:

• Continued investment in AI and exploration technologies

• Return of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies to Nigeria

• Development of a robust human capital base to drive sector growth

🏗️ Regulation as an Enabler

Gbenga Komolafe of the NUPRC highlighted the Commission’s shift from traditional regulation to strategic enablement. His key points included:

• 21 new upstream regulations gazetted

• Promotion of local content and supply chain resilience

• Drive for Project 1 Million BOPD, with recent production peaking at 1.8 million barrels/day

🛢️ Infrastructure and Market Reform

Farouk Ahmed (NMDPRA) focused on Nigeria’s path toward becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030, stressing the need for:

• Integrated gas transportation and delivery systems

• Investment-friendly policies to attract global capital

• Collaboration across sectors to ensure sustainability and innovation

🔥 Gas-Powered Future

Gas Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo detailed the Ministry’s roadmap to a digital, efficient, and inclusive gas sector:

• Adoption of automation and data analytics

• Promotion of local manufacturing

• Inclusive training programs for youth and women

• Market-reflective gas pricing frameworks and deepwater development

🤝 A Call to Collective Action

The resounding message from the event: Nigeria’s energy future requires a united front. While challenges like infrastructure gaps and regulatory friction remain, the collective resolve of key players signals a potential turning point in Nigeria’s energy journey.

Final Note:
From policymakers to industry professionals, the call is clear — the time for action is now. With sustained commitment, Nigeria can transition from energy poverty to energy security and from potential to prosperity.

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