NIES 2026: Nigerian gov’t seeks global partnership to achieve cleaner, affordable energy

President Bola Tinubu has called for deeper collaboration with African nations, global partners and the private sector as Nigeria intensifies efforts to deliver cleaner, affordable and more secure energy.

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open the 9th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja.

NIES is a gathering of global energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners.

This year’s summit—the ninth edition—is themed “Energy for Peace and Progress: Securing Our Shared Future” and is scheduled to run from 2 to 5 February. NNPC Ltd is the national sponsor of the event.

According to the organisers, the summit provides a global platform for high-level discussions, strategic partnerships and the signing of major energy deals.

The conference comes at a critical time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to revamp its energy sector by leveraging its vast hydrocarbon and renewable resources to achieve energy security, economic growth and sustainable development.

Energy Potentials

In his remarks at the convening on Tuesday, Mr Shettima told the delegates and participants that energy remains central to peace, prosperity and global stability. He described it as a critical force that sustains economies, unites communities and underpins modern societies.

“Energy must unite communities, stabilise economies and secure futures. It must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation and build trust between government, investors and citizens,” the Vice President said.

He stated that Nigeria stands ready to work with Africa and international partners to deliver energy that is secure, affordable, cleaner and inclusive.

The Nigerian leader explained that although his administration inherited an energy sector constrained by inefficiencies, uncertainty and prolonged underinvestment, his administration moved swiftly to reposition the sector as a catalyst for national security, industrial growth and regional cooperation.

He said the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has been sustained and deepened, strengthening regulatory institutions, improving transparency and restoring investor confidence.

According to him, Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector has recorded a historic rebound, with rig counts rising from eight in 2021 to 69 by late 2025, while Final Investment Decisions exceeding $8 billion have been secured, including major offshore gas developments.

He added that crude oil theft, which had long undermined production and revenue, has declined significantly due to enhanced security coordination, surveillance and regulatory enforcement.

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The vice president said early reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation, have improved market efficiency and repositioned the sector for long-term investment, despite the short-term sacrifices required.

On the energy transition, Mr Shettima reiterated that Nigeria is prioritising the use of its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel, while expanding renewable energy capacity to support sustainable development.

He urged participants at the summit to engage constructively, invest confidently and partner purposefully with Nigeria as the country pursues a resilient, transparent and inclusive energy future.

The summit also featured remarks from African leaders and industry stakeholders, who emphasised regional cooperation, value addition and policy reforms as critical to Africa’s energy security and economic growth.

Partnerships key to regional solutions

In his remarks, the Gambian President, Adama Barrow, observed that Nigeria’s policies have implications far beyond its borders, and that working together through strategic partnerships is key to regional solutions and energy security.

President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Mbasogo, maintained that Africa must cease to be merely an exporter of raw materials and focus on processing them for the betterment of future generations.

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in a speech that was read on his behalf, noted that in Africa, energy is not just about resources but about inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

He assured that the National Assembly is ready to work with relevant stakeholders through legislative backing, agreeing that when the energy system works, the economy grows more resilient.

On his part, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), said the gathering was a call to action to make energy a champion for advancement.

He commended the Dangote Refinery, BUA, and other refiners for making significant investments in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Similarly, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), noted that while collaboration is essential in building a reliable energy system, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already positioning gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy security.

He assured that the government was strengthening oil and gas stability while supporting regional integration and building on the meaningful gains recorded in the sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings Plc, Adegbite Falade, said gas production in Nigeria has grown significantly since 2025, with indigenous producers increasingly allowed to thrive.

According to him, under the leadership of Mr President, requisite reforms and executive orders have been approved, thereby increasing local ownership in the sector.