Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration in human capital development for the country’s energy transition.
Speaking during his visit to the PTDF-Campus France office, Dr. Ekpo described the partnership as “a shining example of how international collaboration can empower our youth and strengthen Nigeria’s energy future.”
According to him, the partnership between the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, and Campus France has already supported more than 340 Nigerian scholars, many of whom are conducting groundbreaking research in Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, hydrogen, and renewable energy integration.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes skills acquisition and technological advancement as the foundation for industrial and energy growth.
“We cannot build an energy-secure Nigeria without investing in people. Human capital remains the foundation of sustainable national development, and this partnership is helping us nurture the next generation of innovators, engineers, and researchers.”
The Minister also commended the Government of France and Campus France for their continued support, noting that their collaboration with Nigeria has enhanced the country’s access to high-level technical education and research opportunities in the global energy sector.
He emphasized that the federal government would continue to provide funding and institutional backing for PTDF programs that promote research and innovation across the oil, gas, and renewable energy value chains.
“The PTDF-Campus France model is a template we must replicate across other sectors,” Ekpo stated. “It bridges knowledge gaps, builds global competitiveness, and ensures that Nigerian students contribute meaningfully to solving both local and international energy challenges.”
Industry analysts see the PTDF-Campus France collaboration as a key driver for Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, especially as the country expands its investments in gas infrastructure and low-carbon technologies.
Ekpo concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s energy future would depend not only on physical infrastructure but also on “the quality of minds we prepare today to lead tomorrow’s energy revolution.”
