By William Emmanuel Ukpoju
The Valuechain Energy Magazine is proud to be associated with the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) as a Media Partner and is poised for a strong media presence, reinforcing the magazine’s commitment to facilitating investments in Africa’s energy sector. Starting from February 24th to 27th, the global oil community will gather in Abuja for the 2025 NIES, at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, and the Abuja Continental Hotel.
With the full backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria and building on the success of previous editions, the theme of the 2025 edition is ‘Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential.’ Since its inception in 2018, the NIES has firmly established itself as a premier event in Africa’s energy sector, serving as a pivotal platform for policy discourse, business development, and technological showcase. The event attracts a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, investors, and service providers. Over 6,000 delegates, including more than 50 ministers and government leaders, over 300 leading speakers, and numerous industry professionals from over 60 countries are expected to be in attendance.
The choice of the theme of the 2025 Summit — “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential”— is informed by several key global and regional energy trends, economic imperatives, and policy shifts. The theme is apt considering the urgent need to attract global investment in Africa’s energy sector. Nigeria and Africa at large hold vast untapped energy resources, including oil, gas, and renewables.
However, accessing the necessary capital for exploration, production, and infrastructure development requires strong international partnerships. By positioning Africa as a prime investment destination, NIES 2025 will bridge the gap between global financiers and Africa’s energy opportunities.
The focus for this year’s summit is also important considering Africa’s role in global energy security. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions affecting global energy markets, Africa is increasingly being recognized as a reliable alternative energy source. The summit’s theme underscores Nigeria’s and Africa’s potential to contribute to global energy security while ensuring sustainable economic benefits for the continent. As the world moves towards decarbonization and clean energy, Africa is at a crossroads — balancing traditional fossil fuels with the need for renewable energy expansion.
The theme highlights Africa’s energy transition journey, calling for investments that support traditional and alternative energy solutions. International investors are increasingly looking at Africa as the next big growth frontier in energy. With a young population, industrialization drive, and rising energy demand, the summit aims to showcase Africa’s readiness to host large-scale investments in both conventional and renewable energy sectors. Again, the focus of the summit this year also reflects the need for stronger collaboration between Africa and key global energy players, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
This aligns with Nigeria’s strategy of engaging with diverse international markets to enhance energy trade, technology transfer, and industrial growth.
The NIES this year is poised to be a landmark event, facilitating significant agreements and partnerships that will shape the future of Nigeria’s energy sector. While specific deals are often finalized during the summit, several anticipated agreements and collaborations are expected to emerge. One of the major investment commitments expected is the TotalEnergies’ Offshore Gas Project. Building on previous investments, TotalEnergies is expected to reach a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the $750 million Ima offshore gas project in 2025.
With NIES 2025 catalysing discussions and agreements to achieve ambitious goals, some deep offshore investment commitments are expected to be announced. This is because Nigeria has been aiming to attract $30 billion in deep offshore investments by 2029.
On renewable energy initiatives, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has partnered with five renewable energy firms to extend electricity access to 400,000 Nigerians under the Nigeria Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up initiative and Mission 300 program. Announcements of additional collaborations and funding agreements in this sector are anticipated during the summit. In terms of strategic partnerships and sponsorships, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has joined NIES 2025 as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to attracting investment and fostering collaboration in Nigeria’s energy sector. This partnership is expected to lead to further strategic alliances and investment pledges during the event.
The NIES 2025 will feature sessions highlighting visionary leaders who are reshaping the energy landscape. These sessions are expected to showcase ground-breaking strategies, new partnerships and investment opportunities.
The Summit will be graced by the esteemed presence of President Bola Tinubu, who will deliver the keynote address. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), will deliver the oil industry address; Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), will present the Gas Industry Address. Internationally acclaimed speakers include OPEC Secretary General, His Excellency Haitham Al Ghais; Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Secretary General, Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Eng. Mohamed Hamel, and Secretary General, International Energy Forum (IEF) Jassim Al Shirawi. From the industry, distinguished speakers include Chairman, International Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)/ Abdulrazaq Isa; Country Chair/CEO Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Chairman Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) Mr. Rick Kennedy. Other notable speakers are GCEO, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kolo Kyari; CEO TotalEnergies, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, CEO Exxonmobil Nigeria, Mr. Shane Harris; GCEO Oando Plc, Mr. Adewale Tinubu; Chairman/MD, Chevron Nigeria Mr. Rick Kennedy and a host of others.
There will be panel sessions, where experts, thought leaders, and practitioners will share insights, discuss specific topics, and answer questions related to the theme of the summit. Discussions will encompass a wide range of topics, from energy security and transition strategies to financing mechanisms and technological innovations.
Also, the well-coordinated international exhibition usually organized with the event provides great opportunities for companies to showcase their expertise and market their goods and services, directly to key decision-makers. NIES 2025 will provide platforms for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogues, fostering collaborations that drive the energy sector forward. The event’s structure is designed to facilitate interactions that lead to actionable outcomes and strategic partnerships.
This year’s edition offers a unique opportunity to connect with key political decision-makers, industry experts, and other stakeholders who are shaping the future of energy in Nigeria and beyond.
The 2025 edition aims to build upon the successes of previous years, addressing contemporary challenges and exploring sustainable solutions in the energy sector.