The 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) has begun in Abuja, with at least 6,000 foreign and local delegates, exhibitors and visitors participating.

The summit aims to chart a sustainable way forward to accelerate energy security, transition and finance.

President Bola Tinubu will officially open the summit at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, on Tuesday.

The global summit is being convened by the federal government as its official energy, oil and gas event, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) as the national host.

The summit will be held from February 26 to March 1.

According to James Shindi, chief executive, Brevity Anderson/Project Director, NIES, at least 6,000 foreign and local delegates, exhibitors and visitors are participating at the summit.

Mr Shindi said the summit’s theme, “Navigating the New Energy World Order: Security, Transition, and Finance,” would reflect the imperative for stakeholders in the energy industry to collaboratively address challenges related to energy security.

He said the stakeholders would adapt to the changing energy landscape and mobilise financial resources for a sustainable and resilient future.

The project director said the theme encouraged discussions and initiatives that contributed to shaping a dynamic and responsible global energy paradigm.

The summit will convene the National Oil Companies (NOCs) Forum, bringing together esteemed chief executives and key stakeholders from various African NOCs. It will commence with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria, opening address.

Mr Shindi said the session would be a pivotal moment for shaping the future of the energy sector under the sub-theme “Sustainable Strategies for Energy Leadership: Navigating Security, Transition, and Finance in a Changing World.”

Key focus areas of the session include discussing emerging security threats to the energy sector, including cyberattacks, geopolitical tensions, and physical infrastructure vulnerabilities.

The arrival and registration of delegates are ongoing while various exhibition booths are set up.

There will be high-level delegates from about 60 countries, which include Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Omar Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO).

Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF), are participating.

Chief executive officers and key stakeholders from various African NOCs, including Mele Kyari, GCEO, and NNPC Ltd., are attending the event.

Amina Benkhadra of National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco and Sanogo M’Balou of Société Nationale des Opérations Pétrolières of Cote d’Ivoire (PETROCI) are also participating.

A dinner with foreign ministers, heads of delegations, diplomats, chief executive officers and presidents of national oil companies, sponsored by the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), will be held on Monday.

(NAN)