Nigeria unveils long-term energy plan –NUPRC

Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), says Nigeria has introduced a long-term energy plan aimed at balancing economic growth, expanding energy access, and addressing climate concerns.

Eyesan said this would also strengthen and position the country as a pivotal force in the evolving global energy landscape.

She disclosed this at the ongoing 2026 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) on Monday in Houston, Texas, where she presented Nigeria’s “Energy Evolution” roadmap —a plan combining fossil fuel strength with long-term sustainability goals.

She said the framework outlined a 2030 to 2060 energy transition that would expand renewables while using natural gas as a key transition fuel for industries, households, and emerging tech.

“The future we envision is integrated and inclusive.

“We are committed to expanding cleaner energy sources, while ensuring that gas continues to play a critical role in enabling growth and stability,” Eyesan said.

She stressed that the plan focused on addressing energy poverty by promoting clean cooking in rural areas, where widespread biomass use posed health and environmental risks.

Eyesan called for stronger international collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s energy sector beyond domestic priorities.

She urged global investors to put capital into upstream oil and gas and to work with Nigeria on offshore energy innovation and sustainable, decentralised power systems.

“We invite investors to work with us in shaping the future of offshore energy and in decarbonising existing assets,” she said.

She noted that technology-driven solutions were essential to reducing emissions across the value chain.

Eyesan reaffirmed that upstream oil and gas remain the backbone of Nigeria’s energy future in spite of the global shift toward cleaner energy.

She, however, acknowledged that sustaining that role would require significant new investment and sustained commitment from public and private stakeholders.

She said Nigeria was richly endowed with oil and gas resources that would continue to support local needs and global energy demand, but fully harnessing that potential would require increased investment.

She added that Nigeria was taking a pragmatic approach to the energy transition, using its resources, innovation, and partnerships to build a more inclusive, sustainable future.

“The country is not just adapting to change, it is shaping its own path forward,” she said.

According to her , the data presented shows shifting global and national energy patterns.

“Oil’s share of global energy consumption has declined from 38 per cent in 1990 to 30 per cent in 2026.

“In Nigeria, biomass usage has dropped from 74 per cent to 49 per cent over the same period, highlighting a gradual shift in the country’s energy mix,” she added.

Eyesan, however, noted that Nigeria’s primary challenge remains energy access rather than decarbonisation alone.

“Energy transition in Nigeria is fundamentally about replacing biomass and ensuring reliable energy for millions,” she said.

“Oil and gas remain central to that mission.
Nigeria remains Africa’s leading crude oil producer, supported by a strong pipeline of upcoming final investment decisions (FIDs).

“With gas reserves estimated to last 85 years and oil, 59 years, the country is positioning itself as a key regional energy hub and a reliable global supplier.

“The energy roadmap also builds on Nigeria’s historical evolution, from coal mining in Enugu to the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956, and its continued transformation into a diversified energy economy.

“Today, the government’s Gas-First policy is driving natural gas to the centre of economic growth, power generation, and industrial development.

“Major infrastructure projects such as Nigeria LNG Train 8 and the AKK and OB3 pipelines are expected to unlock up to two billion cubic feet per day of gas supply for industries, power plants, and fertiliser production, ” she explained.

Eyesan said at the same time, Nigeria is intensifying efforts to end gas flaring and expand cleaner domestic energy use.

She said under the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP), the country is targeting net-zero emissions by 2060, with investments in renewable energy, offshore wind, ocean technologies, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to reduce emissions without compromising production.

Eyesan reiterated that achieving this vision would require strong collaboration between government, investors, and industry players.

“Upstream remains the bedrock of our energy future, but innovation, inclusion, and collaboration will determine how far and how fast we go.

Our correspondent reports that top Nigerian oil and gas stakeholders present at the event included Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Mr Jim Swartz; Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr Adedapo Segun; and Chairman of Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Adegbite Falade.

Others are Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, Dr Leemon Ikpea; Chairman of Energia Ltd.,Mr Osten Olorunsola; and Senior Technical Officer to Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Austin Uzoka, among others.