Energy transition: We won’t stop production of fossil fuels — FG, APPO

…As APPO reiterates commitment to take-off of Energy Bank

…Alleges Western criticism of fossil fuel aimed at preventing energy sufficiency for Africa

By Bassey Williams, Yenagoa

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Petroleum Producers’ Association (APPO) have kicked against the campaign against the use of fossil fuels in Africa noting that the country (Nigeria) and African nations will continue to utilise it.

The reaction comes amidst increased push for Africa to join the world in transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.

However, speaking at the ongoing Practical Nigeria Content Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday,  the APPO Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim argued that the Western world criticism of fossil fuels is aimed at making Africa not energy sufficient.

He lamented that the campaign against the use of fossil fuels in Africa where the continent houses the largest deposits is for a selfish interest.

“When did they realise that fossil fuel is harmful to the planet? Did they just realise it in 2016? Scientists have postulated the theory that fossil fuel is dangerous as far back as 1859. The question is why now? Why is the West so kin on making us abandon fossil fuels?” He queried.

The APPO Secretary General further provided updates on the African Energy Bank.

He highlighted that the organisation requires $5bn to put the Bank in shape while urging private Nigerian investors to buy into the Bank.

He further highlighted that the organisation is not just interested in money bags but investors who share the same beliefs it shares on fossil fuels. He vehemently reiterated that the Bank will turn down investors who don’t share the same ideals noting that it is core to the vision of the Bank and the Bank will not allow anyone to derail it.

The APPO Secretary General further noted that the African Energy Bank upon take off also aims to achieve energy synergy and sufficiency in Africa by providing funding to tackle Africa’s energy challenges.

In the same vein, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri delivering his remarks at the Forum said that despite the calls for energy transition, the country cannot stop the production of fossil fuels, because it already has enough market in Africa.

The Minister argued that no country in the world will stop the production of fossil fuels when there is still a market for it.

Speaking on the theme of the forum which was “Deepening the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” the Oil Minister explained that even the United Kingdom is still giving licenses for exploration.

He said, “The sustainability of the comfort, all these grammar for energy transition that say we should stop production of fossil fuel, we will never stop the production of fossil fuel in Nigeria, no country in the world will stop it.

“Just 2023, United Kingdom that contributes 4.8% of global emissions, higher than the entire OPEC country put together, entire African continent put together contribute about 3% but UK contribute 4.8%, but they gave over 100 licenses to new companies for new exploration, America is the highest producer of fossil fuel, so why should we stop, those who are telling us to stop are themselves not stopping, so we should know that is about politics.”

“Let me also use the opportunity to challenge the industry that with the emergence of Trump, the price of oil maybe battered, what I want us to do is to increase our own production, Africa already have enough market, we can produce enough fuel to supply West Africa region and the entire Africa, but our biggest challenge has to do with funding,” He said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemen Ekperikpe Ekpo, urged local businesses in the country to invest in Compressed Natural Gas (GNG) as gas will be a mainstay of the economy after the energy transition.

He said, “Gas will be the mainstay of Nigeria’s energy shift, and we’re giving local businesses a chance to engage in gas distribution, processing and power generation. The probable replacement for PMS has been determined to be natural gas in form of CNG.

“Let me reiterate this administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing local content as a cornerstone of our energy strategy. Together, we have the opportunity to built an energy industry that empowers Nigerians, strengthens our economy and contributes to the sustainable future.”