By Saidu Abubakar
Energy sector stakeholders are expressing growing concerns about the Nigerian government’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), a key annual event in Abuja that is traditionally sponsored by the Nigerian government to unite global energy leaders and foster major deals and partnerships.
Sources close to the event told Valuechain that the absence of high-level government figures, such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also serves as Minister of Petroleum Resources, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, signals a lack of commitment to the summit. Since taking office in 2023, both the President and Vice President have missed the event, with only junior members of the Cabinet stepping in as representatives.
The NIES, which began in 2018, has grown to become one of Africa’s premier energy sector events, serving as an important platform for policy discussions, business growth, and technological innovation. The 2025 edition of the summit, themed ‘Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential,’ kicked off on February 24 and will run until February 27.
This year’s event has attracted over 6,000 delegates, including more than 50 ministers, 300 industry leaders, and professionals from over 60 countries. Among the notable attendees are global energy figures such as OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais, African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) Secretary-General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, and Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Secretary-General, Eng. Mohamed Hamel, along with top international oil company executives.
The summit’s opening ceremony was initially planned to take place at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Aso Villa, with President Tinubu scheduled to deliver the keynote address. However, participants were caught off guard by a sudden change in venue. Organizers informed attendees via email that the event would now be held at Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, on February 25 due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
A regular attendee, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the abrupt change, noting that it was communicated less than 24 hours before the event, leading to confusion among participants. The source lamented the lack of high-level government representation at the summit, pointing out that previous administrations would have had the President or Vice President in attendance, as the event is organized by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, of which the President is also the Minister.
The source said, “It’s disappointing to see that this key event is not being treated with the seriousness it deserves. The Nigerian government’s absence at a platform that brings together global energy leaders reflects poorly on us. If the Nigerian government continues to show such neglect, we may see fewer high-profile participants in the future, and that’s something we cannot afford.”
In comparison, the source highlighted that in countries like South Africa, even presidents who are not ministers of petroleum take part in major energy events. “In Nigeria, our leaders seem more focused on the revenue from crude oil sales rather than on nurturing investments in the energy sector,” they added.
This year’s summit is especially crucial given Africa’s growing role in global energy security. With geopolitical tensions and disruptions in energy supply chains worldwide, the continent is increasingly viewed as a reliable energy alternative. The summit’s theme emphasizes Africa’s potential to contribute to global energy stability while delivering long-term economic benefits to the continent.
Despite these challenges, the NIES remains a landmark event for Nigeria’s energy sector, paving the way for crucial partnerships and deals that will shape its future. The summit continues to be an essential gathering for the global energy community.