Energy
Energy security vital for digital growth and industry in Nigeria
Oilserv Group Chairman Emeka Okwuosa has emphasised that reliable energy supplies are essential for Nigeria's industrialisation and digital inclusion.
Key points
- Emeka Okwuosa spoke at the 22nd International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunication in Port Harcourt.
- Achieving universal electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa by 2035 requires nearly 150 billion dollars, according to the IEA.
- Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan aims for net-zero emissions by 2060 across five main sectors.
Energy transition challenges
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Oilserv Group Chairman Emeka Okwuosa noted that reliable energy is a prerequisite for advancing digital inclusion and industrial growth across Nigeria. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, he addressed delegates at an annual power and telecommunications event organised by the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
Mr Okwuosa argued that simply substituting fossil fuels with renewables fails to resolve the country's broader systemic obstacles. He outlined several hurdles, including grid constraints, unreliable electricity supply, energy storage limitations, financing gaps, cybersecurity threats, regulatory hurdles, and shortages of skilled personnel.
Citing International Energy Agency figures, he pointed out that securing universal electricity across sub-Saharan Africa by 2035 demands approximately 150 billion dollars in investment, representing roughly six times current spending levels.
Priorities and opportunities
Unlike wealthier nations focused primarily on decarbonisation, Mr Okwuosa stressed that Nigeria must balance carbon reduction with expanded energy access, affordability, reliability, and employment creation. He added that the national Energy Transition Plan provides a structured path toward net-zero emissions by 2060 across the power, cooking, oil and gas, transport, and industrial sectors.
The energy sector can leverage digital tools to enhance efficiency, safety, and asset performance, while natural gas reserves can bolster electricity reliability. Furthermore, the evolution from traditional petroleum products to a system encompassing electricity and data is opening up fresh commercial prospects in renewable generation, mini-grids, battery storage, and digital infrastructure.
Original reporting
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Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
