Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria has called on African nations to spearhead technological innovations in carbon capture to ensure the sustainable exploration of fossil fuels amid the global energy transition.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the call while speaking at the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, SAIPEC in Lagos, organized by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN.
Lokpobiri emphasized the need for African-led solutions to balance energy security with environmental sustainability.
He said, “In Nigeria, we have developed significant capacity in our oil and gas sector through our Local Content Initiative. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy, it is imperative for African nations to champion technological innovations for carbon capture to ensure the sustainable exploration of our fossil fuels.”
The Minister challenged PETAN members and investors across Nigeria and Africa to take the lead in developing sustainable investments, rather than relying on external promises. He underscored the importance of regional cooperation and peer-review mechanisms among African nations to foster mutual growth.
“What we seek in Africa are sustainable investments, not just promises. African nations must co-exist for mutual growth, and this requires us to hold each other accountable through a peer-review mechanism,” he added.
Recognizing that financing has been a major challenge for energy investments, Lokpobiri highlighted the Africa Energy Bank as a strategic solution to mobilize funding for the continent’s energy sector.
“Encouragingly, as a continent, we have addressed a key challenge faced by investors—financing—through the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank,” he said.
Lokpobiri reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors, urging them to take advantage of Nigeria’s vast energy market.
“I call on investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s investment-friendly environment and tap into Africa’s vast market. The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains fully committed to ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships that guarantee sustainable growth for both investors and the nation,” he assured.
With Africa’s oil and gas sector at a crossroads, Lokpobiri’s address signals Nigeria’s determination to lead the charge in sustainable energy development, ensuring that fossil fuel resources remain viable in a low-carbon future.
