Day Two of the NOG Energy Week 2025 Strategic Conference closed on a high note with impactful conversations aimed at shaping the future of Africa’s energy landscape. From renewables to gas, upstream strategy to energy optimisation, high-level stakeholders gathered to examine critical levers of change.
Renewables in the Future Energy Mix
In the final panel session, speakers delved into the question: “What Role Will Renewables Play in the Future Energy Mix?” The conversation centred on practical solutions for integrating renewables into Nigeria and Africa’s energy frameworks. Experts called for bold national strategies with clearly defined priorities, championing regulatory independence free from political interference.
They also urged Africa to enhance its contribution to global renewable energy with strategies tailored to local realities. “Invisible enablers” such as grid infrastructure and financing mechanisms were identified as pivotal, with calls for innovative financial instruments to support transition efforts.
Unlocking Gas Sector Growth: Strengthening Interconnected Markets
Earlier in the day, the fifth panel session tackled “Strengthening Interconnected Gas Markets,” aligning with the ongoing Decade of Gas initiative. Discussions highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure, establishing gas pricing hubs, and ensuring cross-border cooperation.
Speakers emphasised regulatory consistency, tax stability, and the need to make gas projects bankable, scalable, and export-ready through targeted financing and technology transfer.
Upstream Focus: Energy Security and Sustainability
Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), delivered a keynote presentation titled “Positioning Nigeria’s Upstream Oil & Gas for Energy Security, Sustainability and Economic Resilience.”
He showcased the sector’s ongoing transformation post-PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), highlighting key actions including:
Tackling oil theft through inter-agency collaboration
Advancing a gas-centric energy strategy
Implementing Nigeria’s Upstream Decarbonisation Framework
Komolafe also noted increased capital inflow and a national shift toward sustainable energy security.
Africa’s Energy Shift: From Acquisition to Optimisation
In the fourth panel session, industry leaders explored “Harnessing Africa’s Energy Shift – From Acquisition to Optimisation.”
Discussions reflected on the evolution of Africa’s independent energy firms, moving past the “indigenous” label to embrace scale, ambition, and accountability.
Panellists stressed that community engagement, strategic partnerships, and problem-solving must anchor Africa’s energy future, calling for a united front in unlocking the continent’s full potential.
