Nigeria risks losing billions in unexploited wealth if it fails to monetise its vast oil and gas reserves before global demand peaks, economists have warned. Speaking at the 18th naee and National Association for Energy Economics conference in Abuja, Professor Adeola Adenikinju stressed that the nation must urgently harness its hydrocarbon resources while scaling up renewable investments to address energy poverty affecting over 87 million Nigerians.
He noted that the world’s transition to cleaner energy, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruptions are reshaping the global energy landscape. Adenikinju cautioned that delaying action could leave Nigeria’s hydrocarbons stranded as investors shift to low-carbon alternatives. He urged the government to strengthen infrastructure, attract green capital, and ensure electricity access through solar expansion and gas distribution.
The conference, themed “emerging geopolitics of energy: Navigating global shifts and impact on emerging countries”, also featured calls from global experts for africa to protect its critical minerals, build regional capacity, and adopt a pragmatic energy transition model balancing profitability with sustainability.
