Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, says Nigeria has introduced a long-term energy plan to balance economic growth, expand energy access, and address climate concerns.

Ms 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 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 an energy transition from 2030 to 2060 that would expand renewables while using natural gas as a key transition fuel for industries, households, and emerging technologies.

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.

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

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

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

Ms Eyesan reaffirmed that upstream oil and gas remain the backbone of Nigeria’s energy future despite 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.

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

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

Ms 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, the country is targeting net-zero emissions by 2060, with investments in renewable energy, offshore wind, ocean technologies, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage to reduce emissions without compromising production.

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

(NAN)