By William Emmanuel Ukpoju
Abuja, 25 November 2025 – The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Towers became the epicentre of Africa’s energy discourse as Nigeria hosted the 8th Valuechain Annual Lecture Series, a landmark forum bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, traditional authorities, investors, and international experts. This year’s theme, “Growth in the Energy, Oil and Gas Sector: Nexus Between Economic Development, Social Impact and Public Perception”, was both timely and bold, reflecting a continent at the crossroads of opportunity and responsibility in its energy trajectory.
Over the years, the Valuechain Annual Lecture Series has evolved into a premier platform where ideas, strategies, and reforms are rigorously debated and shared. In 2025, as global energy markets reshaped and Africa strove for industrial relevance, the forum underscored the continent’s urgent need to rethink energy production, utilisation, and governance. Participants convened not merely to discuss numbers and policies but to interrogate the very relationship between energy, economic growth, and public trust.
In his welcome remarks, Musa Bashir Usman, Publisher and Founder of The Valuechain Energy Magazine, set the tone for an intellectually charged and solution-driven dialogue. He described the lecture series as a platform that has matured into “one of Nigeria’s most respected gatherings for critical discourse on energy policy, industry innovation, and national development.”
Reflecting on the symbolic milestone of the 8th edition, Usman noted that the Lecture Series has consistently served as a bridge between policy and practice, and a forum where “ideas ignite action and where actions inspire transformation.
“This 8th edition is not just another entry in our calendar,” he emphasised. “It represents eight consecutive years of building bridges between industry and policy, between government and the governed, between vision and action.”
He stressed that Nigeria stands at a decisive inflexion point: the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the accelerating global energy transition, renewed expectations for transparency in the National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and the urgency of transforming resource wealth into shared prosperity for citizens.
Key Questions for the Nation
Usman challenged participants to confront the pressing strategic questions shaping the industry’s direction:
* How can Nigeria unlock natural gas as a catalyst for industrialisation and power generation?
* How will the country attract investment in a world shifting towards decarbonisation?
* How can host communities share the wealth generated by the industry equitably?
* How can Nigerian companies compete and dominate global markets?
* What reforms are necessary to deliver growth that is just, inclusive, and development-driven?
“These are not theoretical questions,” he stressed. “They are national imperatives, and this Annual Lecture exists to illuminate the path forward.”
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Bold Reform
Delivering remarks on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that the success of Nigeria’s development vision rests on finding the right balance between economic reforms, social outcomes, and public perception.
“President Tinubu recognises that meaningful development must balance economic reforms, social outcomes, and public trust,” he said, represented by the Director General of FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama.
Idris noted that energy remains the cornerstone of sustainable growth, industrialisation, investment attraction, job creation, and national competitiveness. According to him, the administration is taking decisive steps to reposition the sector, undertaking reforms defined by courage and long-term planning.
A key example, he stressed, is the government’s ambitious Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, which is rapidly expanding access to affordable clean-energy transportation.
“This is not just an energy policy; it is an economic and social intervention that directly affects transport, manufacturing, and household budgets,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing reforms through the Electricity Act, enhanced collaboration with states, and a stronger framework to attract private capital into renewable and green energy infrastructure.
The minister argued that public trust must become a central pillar of policy delivery.
“Reforms succeed only when citizens understand them and trust the intention behind them. Public perception is not an afterthought; it is an integral part of nation-building.”
Africa Must Rewrite Its Energy Narrative
Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), made a clarion call to African nations to rethink inherited economic models and reclaim energy sovereignty. Dr. Ibrahim emphasised that decades of resource exportation at minimal value, followed by the importation of refined products at premium costs, have hampered the continent’s industrialisation prospects.
“No society has ever developed without access to energy. Why must a continent blessed with abundant resources remain energy-poor? Only through collaboration can Africa industrialise and achieve economic sovereignty,” he remarked.
Dr. Ibrahim highlighted the role of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), headquartered in Abuja, as a transformative institution designed to provide intra-African energy financing and reduce dependence on Western funding mechanisms often constrained by geopolitical and climate imperatives. He stressed that Africa must now prioritise energy justice, local refining, petrochemical development, and gas utilisation to meet the needs of over 600 million people still lacking electricity.
Furthermore, Dr. Ibrahim presented a strategic roadmap emphasising collaboration, infrastructure development, and human capital investment. He argued that these interventions would not only create jobs but also anchor social stability, reduce migration pressures, and boost Africa’s global competitiveness. His message resonated with a continent keen to transition from resource dependence to energy-driven industrialisation.
Nigeria’s Reform Momentum is Visible — Emir of Kano
The forum also featured notable goodwill addresses. HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, 15th Emir of Kano, commended the ongoing policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasised that for Nigeria to harness its energy potential fully, institutional collaboration, regulatory consistency, and stakeholder engagement are essential.
“Nigeria is experiencing progress in crude production, CNG adoption, and energy diversification. The AKK gas project, now over 80% complete, will transform the North and energise industry across the nation,” the Emir said.
He urged strategic focus on refinery rehabilitation, stable power supply, and transparent regulatory frameworks to attract both local and foreign investments. His remarks resonated with policymakers and investors alike, highlighting that governance and institutional reliability remain key to Nigeria’s energy and industrial renaissance.
Goodwill Messages: Stakeholders Reinforce Commitment
Throughout the morning sessions, a series of goodwill messages from stakeholders reinforced the Valuechain platform’s importance and emphasised collective responsibility in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the PTDF Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Galadima Aminu, a representative underscored the Fund’s commitment to human capital development in the oil and gas sector.
“PTDF is mandated to build competencies and capacities in the oil and gas sector. Collaborations like this with Valuechain are central to achieving our mission. We will continue to support stakeholder engagement and industry development,” the representative said.
The PTDF’s focus on education, training, and research aligns with Nigeria’s long-term strategy of ensuring that domestic talent can operate and manage sophisticated energy infrastructure.
Similarly, the Managing Director/CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc, Mr. Adegbite Falade, praised Valuechain for creating a platform where industry realities meet policy aspirations.
“As a Nigerian energy company for 32 years, we’ve demonstrated that Nigerians can build and operate successful upstream and refining assets. Conversations like this strengthen the foundation for economic and industrial growth,” he said.
Falade’s remarks underscored the growing confidence in indigenous operators’ ability to compete globally, manage complex projects, and generate value across Nigeria’s energy value chain.
In like manner, Mr. Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director for the Decade of Gas Programme, emphasised that Nigeria’s development trajectory must now be gas-driven.
“Gas to power, gas for households, gas for industries, and gas for transportation; this is what will take Nigeria to where it needs to be. We must work together to avoid the mistakes of 60 years of oil production.”
Ubong’s interventions highlighted the critical role of gas in powering Nigeria’s industrial ambitions, ensuring energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, Alhaji Ahmed A. Bobboi, former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management), commended Valuechain’s role in shaping Africa’s energy narrative.
“I congratulate Valuechain for its quality content and global relevance. Gas is the future, and if Nigeria manages its gas properly, we will exceed current national limits just like Qatar has done.”
His remarks reinforced the view that Africa’s energy stakeholders must focus not only on production but also on narrative, policy alignment, and global competitiveness.
The Intellectual Backbone: Rethinking Energy, Rebuilding Trust
The keynote reflection of the day came from Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who delivered one of the most comprehensive sector analyses of recent years. He declared that Nigeria must transform not only its energy systems but also its public narrative around energy governance.
Dr. Obi stated powerfully that, “Energy is not just a commodity; it is the lifeblood of industrialisation and the backbone of national security.”
He warned that Nigeria’s energy debate has historically been shaped more by controversy than clarity and more by distrust than partnership, arguing that public perception must be rebuilt through transparency, results, and accountability.
Speaking on reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, Obi described it as a landmark structural transformation rather than a cosmetic policy shift.
“The PIA was an economic reset designed to improve transparency, strengthen governance, de-risk investment, and reposition the sector for long-term growth.”
He highlighted the new industry structure:
* A commercially driven NNPC Limited operating under CAMA
* Independent regulators NUPRC and NMDPRA
* Host Communities Development Trusts
* Gas infrastructure financing via MDGIFF
* Federal equity protection through MOPI
He noted that for decades, producing communities associated oil with pollution, poverty, and broken promises, and that rebuilding trust is essential.
“Host communities are no longer bystanders; they are now stakeholders in value. When implemented with integrity, the Host Communities Development Trust can transform lives, build schools, hospitals, and enterprises, and reduce vandalism.”
He emphasised that implementation, not policy text, determines impact.
Another strong message from his address was the need for communication, transparency, and proof of progress:
“Public perception changes not through spin but through visible results: functional refineries, reduced imports, clean energy investments, and transparent institutions.”
Nigeria’s Energy Future: A Transition Built on Gas & Innovation
Dr. Obi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a transition path that does not abandon oil and gas but repurposes them for sustainability.
“Gas is Nigeria’s transition fuel; cleaner, abundant, and central to power generation, industrial competitiveness, mobility, and exports.”
He emphasised the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to unlock growth, declaring that no government or agency can achieve success alone.
He called for the active involvement of:
* Private sector investors and innovators
* Media for truth and enlightenment
* Civil society for accountability
* Academia for research
* Youth for technology
* Global partners for energy technology transfer
“The real glory we must restore is not merely production capacity but trust, integrity, and a shared national vision.”
Panel Session Reflections: Refining, Industrialisation & Strategic Perspectives
The high-level panel session provided one of the day’s most insightful segments. Seasoned industry experts shared perspectives on refining strategies, domestic value creation, and Africa’s industrial competitiveness. The dialogue underscored that energy development must translate into tangible economic outcomes while fostering public trust.
In the discussion that opened with Mr. Boyi, he highlighted the enduring importance of refining as a cornerstone of national industrialisation.
“Refining needs efficient crude supply, good economics, and strong governance. Dangote proved that persistence and private sector drive can transform refining. Africa must replicate this success across the continent,” he remarked.
Following this, Dr. Tim Okon emphasised the strategic imperative of import substitution and export-led growth, stressing that Nigeria’s industrialisation depends on moving beyond raw crude exports toward value-added processing.
“Nigeria spent billions chasing refinery rehabilitation with nothing to show. Dangote’s refinery proves the power of vision and execution. Processing is the real value, not raw export. Nations grow through manufacturing, not import dependence.”
Transitioning from operational and industrial considerations to broader governance and strategic imperatives, Professor Omowumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and Executive Director of the Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, provided a comprehensive framework for evaluating NNPC Limited’s role in Nigeria’s energy transformation.
Professor Iledare framed his presentation around what he termed the “covenant” between NNPC and Nigerians, emphasising six pillars essential for energy-led national development:
* Governance: NNPC’s transition under the PIA from a bureaucratic state entity to a commercially oriented national oil company, featuring board governance, IFRS-compliant reporting, and subsidiary realignment.
* Energy Security: Stabilising production via anti-theft initiatives, revival of dormant wells, and improved evacuation efficiency.
* Domestic Refining: Reducing dependence on imported petroleum products through refinery rehabilitation and partnerships, particularly with Dangote Refinery.
* Gas for Growth: Expanding gas infrastructure via the AKK pipeline, NLNG and midstream supply commitments, and alternative distribution methods, including CNG and virtual pipelines.
* Commercial Responsibility: Unlocking investments through transparent crude sales, cash-call reforms, and strategic collaborations.
* Market Stability: Balancing retail expansion, supply coordination, and compliance with deregulated market principles under the PIA.
Professor Iledare argued that while significant progress has been made, challenges remain: production is below potential, refinery rehabilitation timelines continue to slip, gas commercialisation is slower than needed, and governance autonomy is incomplete. However, he emphasised that with consistent execution and principled leadership, NNPC can fulfil its covenant and serve as a catalyst for national economic growth.
“Energy must translate into tangible socio-economic outcomes. Refining, gas utilisation, and strategic governance are interdependent elements in Nigeria’s path toward industrialisation,” he concluded.
The panel session, therefore, effectively bridged practical insights with strategic governance considerations, reinforcing the lecture series’ overarching theme: that growth in the energy sector cannot be divorced from public perception, social impact, and operational realities.
Pathways to Industrialization: Petrochemicals, Fertilizers, and Methanol
Beyond refining and gas, panellists and keynote speakers highlighted the transformative potential of petrochemicals, fertilisers, and methanol-based industries. Developing industrial clusters around these sectors can:
* Create significant employment opportunities
* Reduce insecurity through local economic development
* Enhance the global competitiveness of African products
* Anchor domestic industrialisation and diversify revenue streams
The discussion emphasised that industrialisation is not a peripheral strategy but the central pillar for Africa to translate energy resources into sustainable economic power.
Strengthening Africa’s Energy Voice
A recurring theme at the lecture series was the necessity for Africa to control its own energy narrative. With climate politics, global energy transitions, and volatile international markets, African nations must craft policies that reflect local realities rather than external pressures. Recommendations included:
* Strengthening regional financing mechanisms, notably the Africa Energy Bank (AEB)
* Promoting intra-African collaboration on refining, gas pipelines, and industrial projects
* Advocating for policies centred on industrialisation and domestic value creation
* Engaging the public effectively to rebuild trust and align perception with policy action
These strategic interventions are crucial for Africa to move from being a passive player in the global energy system to a proactive architect of its own industrial future.
Public Perception and Social Impact
The lecture series underscored that energy policy must be socially accountable. Citizens need to experience direct benefits from national energy wealth, including electricity access, affordable fuel, employment, and environmental stewardship.
“Energy is not just about barrels and pipelines; it is about people, communities, and future generations,” remarked Professor Omowumi Iledare.
He emphasised that aligning policy with public expectations is central to maintaining trust and ensuring that energy-led growth delivers social dividends alongside economic outcomes.
The 8th Valuechain Annual Lecture Series transcended the conventional conference format. It was more than a platform for discussion; it was a nationwide call for reform in thinking, investment, and public accountability. Key takeaways included:
* Advocacy for African energy independence and industrialisation
* Reinforcement of gas-driven economic growth and infrastructure development
* Strengthening the covenant between NNPC and Nigerians
* Promotion of public-private partnerships and indigenous capacity building
* Focus on public perception, transparency, and social impact
The overarching consensus: Nigeria must lead Africa into a new era of value-driven energy economics. And the time is now.
From policy pronouncements to operational execution, from dialogue to tangible outcomes, the 8th Valuechain Annual Lecture Series illuminated the challenges and opportunities ahead. For a continent blessed with resources but historically constrained by underdevelopment, the Lecture Series was not just an event; it was a blueprint for transformation, signalling a decisive step toward energy-led prosperity for Nigeria and Africa.