Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources, in his welcome address, at the Nigeria International Energy Summit has emphasized Nigeria’s role as a key player in the continent’s energy transition.
“It is a profound honor and a distinct privilege to welcome you to the 8th Edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2025),” said Ambassador Ella. “This summit has evolved into Nigeria’s flagship energy platform, serving as a catalyst for energy policy evolution, market-driven strategies, and sustainable development.”
Ella, said that one of the key highlights of NIES 2025 is for Nigeria to consolidate on the newly established African Energy Bank (AEB) in collaboration with the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO). This initiative aims to provide dedicated financing for energy projects across the continent.
“The AEB will serve as a vital funding vehicle to bridge Africa’s energy infrastructure gaps, catalyze upstream, midstream, and downstream projects, and drive sustainable energy solutions,” Ella explained.
This year’s summit, themed “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential,” underscores the need for international cooperation in unlocking Africa’s vast energy resources. Nigeria, as the continent’s largest oil producer and a leader in gas development, is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation.
“Africa, with its immense energy potential, stands at a critical juncture,” Ella noted. “Nigeria is committed to playing a pivotal role in ensuring energy security and fostering economic growth through strategic investments.”
As part of its proactive energy transition strategy, Nigeria recently hosted its first-ever International Hydrogen Conference in November 2024. The event brought together global experts, policymakers, and investors to explore the role of hydrogen in Africa’s future energy mix.
“Nigeria will focus on leveraging its vast natural gas resources as a feedstock for blue hydrogen while exploring green hydrogen opportunities powered by renewables,” said Ella. “This aligns with our National Gas Expansion Program and the Decade of Gas initiative.”
The 2024 edition of NIES set new benchmarks, attracting over 5,000 participants from 45 countries, spanning government delegations, international oil companies (IOCs), national oil companies (NOCs), and private investors. Key highlights included:
Ella emphasized that these numbers reflect NIES’s growing significance as a platform for policy dialogue and deal-making.
Acknowledging the contributions of regulatory bodies, sponsors, and organizers, Ella extended gratitude to NUPRC, NMDPRA, NCDMB, PTDF, PTI, NNRA, and industry partners. He also commended Brevity Anderson, the event producers, for their role in delivering a world-class summit.
“As we embark on this multi-day journey of thought leadership, I urge all participants to engage in meaningful collaborations, participate in policy-shaping dialogues, and explore new technologies that will define the future of energy,” Ella stated.
Ella reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for energy investments and innovations, despite global challenges such as fluctuating oil prices and the urgent need for decarbonization.
“Within these challenges lie opportunities for collaboration, growth, and transformation,” he concluded. “The government is ready to support and facilitate these opportunities.”
With high-level discussions, investment opportunities, and groundbreaking innovations on the agenda, NIES 2025 is set to shape the future of Africa’s energy landscape.