President Bola Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s readiness to work with African countries, global partners, and the private sector to deliver cleaner, affordable, inclusive, and secure energy solutions.

The President made this known on Tuesday while declaring open the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu described energy as the invisible force that holds the modern world together, stressing that it remains central to peace, prosperity, and global stability. He said Nigeria is placing strong emphasis on utilising its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel while also expanding renewable energy capacity.

“Energy must unite communities, stabilise economies, and secure futures. It must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation, and build trust between government, investors, and citizens,” the President said.

“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with Africa, global partners, and the private sector to deliver energy that is secure, affordable, cleaner, and inclusive,” he added.

The President recalled that when his administration came into office in 2023, Nigeria’s energy sector was rich in potential but constrained by inefficiencies, uncertainty, and prolonged underinvestment. He said his government immediately embarked on reforms, recognising that energy is not just an economic commodity but a catalyst for national security, industrial growth, and social inclusion.

According to Tinubu, his administration has sustained and deepened the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, strengthening regulatory institutions and boosting investor confidence. He noted that upstream activity has rebounded, with rig counts increasing from eight in 2021 to 69 by late 2025, alongside over $8 billion in new investment decisions, particularly in offshore gas development.

He also said foreign direct investment in the oil and gas sector has improved, driven by regulatory certainty and better operating conditions. Efforts to curb crude oil theft, through enhanced security and surveillance, have further stabilised production and restored confidence in Nigeria’s energy supply.

Tinubu added that key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of foreign exchange, though demanding national sacrifice, have repositioned the sector for long-term sustainability, fiscal resilience, and increased investment.

Formally declaring the summit open, the President called on participants to engage constructively, invest confidently, and partner purposefully with Nigeria.

Earlier, Gambian President Adama Barrow noted that Nigeria’s energy policies have implications beyond its borders, stressing that regional collaboration and strategic partnerships remain vital to achieving energy security across Africa.