Welcome Address By Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Petroleum Resources, At The 8th Edition Of The Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2025)
Protocols …
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Industry Leaders, Captains of Industry, Partners, Colleagues, Ladies, and Gentlemen.
It is a profound honor and a distinct privilege to welcome you to the 8th Edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2025).
On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, I extend my warmest regards and deepest appreciation to all our distinguished delegates, strategic partners, esteemed industry leaders, and stakeholders who have traveled from across the globe to participate in this defining moment for Nigeria and Africa’s energy future.
Since its inception in 2018, NIES has evolved into Nigeria’s flagship energy platform, cementing its status as the country’s only government-sanctioned oil and gas summit.
Endorsed at the highest levels of government, NIES has consistently served as a catalyst for energy policy evolution, market-driven strategies, and sustainable development.
The summit’s success is evident in its growth from a national gathering into a globally recognized platform that bridges continents and sectors.
The past seven editions have set a strong foundation for the 8th Edition, instilling confidence in NIES 2025’s potential.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential,” serves as a global call to action for cooperation and strategic investments.
Africa, with its vast energy resources, is at a crossroads of immense opportunities and the global push for sustainable energy solutions.
Nigeria, as the continent’s largest oil producer and a leading gas powerhouse, is committed to playing a pivotal role in this evolving energy landscape.
In line with our commitment to advancing Africa’s energy security and growth, I am pleased to highlight Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to establish the African Energy Bank (AEB).
This landmark initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in collaboration with the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), aims to create a dedicated financial institution focused on unlocking energy investments 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 that align with the continent’s unique needs.
Furthermore, as part of Nigeria’s proactive approach to energy transition and innovation, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA), hosted the country’s first-ever International Hydrogen Conference from Tuesday, 26th to Thursday, 28th November 2024, at the State House Banquet Hall – Aso Villa, Abuja.
This groundbreaking event convened experts, policymakers, and investors from across the globe to explore hydrogen’s transformative role in Africa’s energy mix.
The conference underscored Nigeria’s ambition to position itself as a leader in hydrogen energy development.
Nigeria will focus on leveraging its vast natural gas resources as a feedstock for blue hydrogen while exploring green hydrogen opportunities powered by renewables.
Nigeria’s strategic focus on natural gas as a transitional fuel aligns with global decarbonization goals while unlocking new economic opportunities.
Our National Gas Expansion Program (NGEP), Nigeria Gas Transportation Network Code, and the Decade of Gas initiative have laid the foundation for transformative projects to boost domestic gas utilization, reduce flaring, and foster industrialization.
With the surging global demand for cleaner fuels, Nigeria strategically positions itself as a reliable partner in the worldwide energy transition.
The numbers from the 2024 edition underscore the significance and impact of NIES:
Over 5,000 participants from 45 countries—representing government delegations, IOCs, NOCs, independent producers, service companies, financiers, and policymakers.
A sprawling 4,182 square meters of dedicated exhibition space that showcased cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and investment opportunities.
More than 60 plenary sessions, technical workshops, and panel discussions covering critical topics like energy transition, decarbonization, upstream investments, refining capacity, natural gas monetization, and digital transformation.
Over $2.5 billion in investment deals and MOUs signed on the sidelines of the event, further cementing NIES as a tangible driver of growth and development in Africa’s energy sector.
The energy sector globally is at an inflection point, and Africa stands at the forefront of this shift.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa’s energy demand is expected to grow by 60% by 2040, driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrialization.
This underscores the urgency and importance of summits like NIES, where critical stakeholders convene to co-create pathways that balance energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
Allow me to extend my deepest appreciation to all who have contributed to the success of this summit:
To the parastatals, regulatory bodies, and agencies within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, NUPRC, NMDPRA, NCDMB, PTDF, PTI, NNRA, and our Sister Ministries and Agencies from other sectors, your joint support for the hosting of this event exemplifies the collaboration that is vital for sectoral growth.
To our strategic partners and sponsors, your continued support amplifies NIES’s global reach and impact.
I extend special gratitude to Brevity Anderson, the event producers, for their unwavering commitment and organizational excellence, which have once again delivered a world-class summit.
To the Local Organizing Committee, your tireless dedication and meticulous planning have ensured that NIES 2025 stands out as a landmark event.
As we embark on this multi-day journey of thought leadership, dialogue, and deal-making, I urge all participants to leverage the unique opportunities NIES offers:
Engage in meaningful collaborations that can lead to transformative investments.
Participate in policy-shaping dialogues that align with Nigeria and Africa’s energy goals.
Explore the exhibitions to witness the future of energy, from AI-driven exploration tools to cutting-edge renewable technologies.
Most importantly, contribute to the shared vision of an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous energy future for Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
In closing, I reiterate the Federal Government of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and sustainable development in the energy sector.
Today’s challenges, from fluctuating global oil prices to the urgent need for decarbonization, are formidable.
Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for collaboration, growth, and transformation.
The government is ready to support and facilitate these opportunities.
