By Poju Ademola
Africa’s energy destiny hinges on the ability to harness its natural resources, empower the people, and lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable development
This was the assertion of the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, while delivering a keynote address in Lagos at Sub-saharan African International Conference and Exhibition, SAIPEC 2025.
According to him, Local content is no longer a luxury but key to unlocking Africa’s true potential.
“By investing in local businesses, nurturing our youth, and transferring critical technology to our people, we are not just building an industry, we are shaping our future” he added
“In Nigeria, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of local content. Our successful divestment program, empowering indigenous companies to take ownership of marginal fields and shallow water assets, stands as a testament to this shift.
“This program has not only enhanced production capacity but has also opened new opportunities for local businesses, service providers, and communities” the Minister stated.
The Minister noted that through the growth of Nigerian companies, there has been remarkable demonstration of technical expertise and operational efficiency, which has revitalized dormant assets, expanded production, and retained greater value within the nation’s economy.
“Nigeria is now a regional leader, proving that African nations can take full ownership of their resources and transform them into engines of prosperity. However, this journey is far from complete” Lopobiri noted
“The future holds even greater promise. With the right policies, access to financing, and technological support, indigenous operators will be able to tackle larger projects, make new discoveries, and play even more dominant role in Africa’s energy future.”, he said.
“As a government, we remain committed to providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. But we cannot achieve this alone. Africa must unite. We must share knowledge, close funding gaps, and harmonize regulations to strengthen our competitiveness. Our greatest asset is our collective strength, and together, we can build a brighter future”.
“The world is evolving, and so must we. The global transition to cleaner energy is not a threat, it is an opportunity. Africa can and must lead the way in sustainable energy development.
Lopobiri argued that sustainability was not just about the environment but about the people.
“So, host communities must benefit the children, must inherit an industry that prioritizes education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as real development is measured by the lives that are transformed
He noted that one of the greatest challenges to Africa’s energy development has been access to financing.
