President of Masters Energy Group, Uchechukwu Ogah, has called for pragmatic reforms and sustained policy consistency as key ingredients to drive Nigeria’s energy transition and unlock long-term sustainable growth.

Mr Ogah, a former minister of state for mines and steel development, made the call at the 2025 NAEC International Energy Conference held in Lagos.

The three-day conference, with the theme “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Optimising Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth”, brought together energy executives, policymakers, and experts to discuss how Nigeria can secure its place in the global energy transition.

Mr Ogah said the nation’s energy journey must strike a balance between opportunities and challenges, anchored on coherent policies, innovation, and private sector investment.

“Nigeria’s energy future is not a choice between opportunity and risk.

“It is a challenge to navigate both dynamics together. Success demands a multi-pronged strategy that leverages our strengths while confronting our vulnerabilities head-on.”

He acknowledged that reforms such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the Electricity Act 2023 had created a new framework for growth, but insisted that Nigeria’s success depended on translating those policies into measurable impact.

According to him, the country must focus on three national priorities: reforming the energy system for real outcomes, maximising hydrocarbon value before the global shift to renewables intensifies, and ensuring affordable and reliable power supply for every citizen.

Citing a report by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Ogah said Nigeria currently generates less than 50 per cent of its installed power capacity, largely due to gas shortages and transmission inefficiencies.

He stressed that oil and gas remain central to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 70 per cent of export earnings and millions of jobs, while describing natural gas as “the country’s most strategic bridge fuel.

“Gas powers industries, enables clean cooking, and positions Nigeria as a future LNG export leader.

“Projects like the Utorogu Gas Processing Facility show what’s possible when we commit to scalable energy solutions,” he said.

Mr Ogah cautioned, however, that underinvestment, oil theft, and insecurity continued to limit progress, threatening the full benefits of recent reforms.

He described the global energy transition as “the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century” for Nigeria, urging the government to exceed its 30 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.

“With abundant solar and wind potential and a young, dynamic population, Nigeria has what it takes to lead Africa’s green economy.

“However, we must not be consumers of the green economy; we must be creators within it.”

Commending the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) for providing a platform for policy dialogue, Mr Ogah highlighted gas, renewables, and innovation as the three pillars of Nigeria’s energy growth.

He also warned that policy inconsistency, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and shortage of technical skills could derail progress unless addressed urgently.

Mr Ogah said, “Our human capital must evolve with the energy market.

“We need a National Energy Transition Academy to develop the next generation of skilled professionals and innovators.”

He further urged stakeholders to maintain industrial harmony, noting that the recent standoff between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery underscored the importance of clear and consistent policy engagement.

“Energy reform is a shared national project.

“If we optimise today’s hydrocarbon assets and build tomorrow’s clean energy ecosystem, we can secure a better, more sustainable future for every Nigerian,” Mr Ogah added.

(NAN)