Nigeria’s Call for Equitable Energy Transition
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has delivered a compelling message to the global energy community, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach to energy transition that aligns with the development priorities of emerging economies. His key message was clear: “We cannot decarbonize to poverty.” This statement reflects the concerns of many developing nations that are caught between the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and the necessity to ensure economic growth and energy access.
During the 2025 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), Ekpo participated in the flagship Ministerial Panel titled “Global Shifts: Navigating an Era of Diverging Priorities.” Here, he stressed that the current global decarbonization agenda must not come at the expense of energy access, industrial growth, and economic resilience in developing nations. As advanced economies accelerate their decarbonization efforts, emerging markets like Nigeria face the dual challenge of meeting growing domestic demand while contributing to the net-zero agenda.
Ekpo highlighted the importance of natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s strategy for sustainable growth. He stated, “Our transition must be inclusive, equitable, and anchored on natural gas, the fuel for sustainable growth across Africa.” This approach is part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to energy transition under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Strategic Investment in Gas Infrastructure
The Minister explained that Nigeria is investing heavily in gas infrastructure, from processing to distribution, to ensure that industries, households, and transport systems can access affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy. He emphasized that this is the most realistic pathway toward achieving both development and decarbonization.
To support this vision, Ekpo called for stronger international partnerships to unlock financing and technology transfer, particularly in the development of midstream and downstream gas infrastructure. He noted that access to capital remains a major bottleneck for most developing countries. Therefore, he urged deeper global collaboration to mobilize investments and build resilient gas value chains that can drive inclusive growth and energy equity.
Regulatory Frameworks and Investor Confidence
Ekpo also underscored the importance of evolving regulatory frameworks to attract private sector participation and boost investor confidence in Africa’s gas markets. He stated, “Regulations must match the speed of investment. We must create enabling environments that assure investors of stability, transparency, and returns.”
Nigeria’s strategy focuses on leveraging gas as a transition fuel while expanding renewable energy access through hybrid systems, rural electrification, and industrial decarbonisation initiatives. With over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Nigeria has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead Africa’s clean energy transition. However, Ekpo emphasized that this must be done on terms that protect the economy, create jobs, and uplift communities.
The Role of ADIPEC in Global Energy Dialogue
ADIPEC 2025 continues to serve as a global platform for dialogue on energy security, sustainability, and innovation. It attracts ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world, providing a vital space for discussing the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.
As the conversation around energy transition evolves, the need for a balanced approach that considers the unique circumstances of developing nations becomes increasingly important. Nigeria’s stance at ADIPEC highlights the necessity of inclusive and equitable strategies that support both environmental goals and economic development.