The Federal Government through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), HE. George Akume, has called on stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to remain committed to the ideals of energy security, transition to sustainable practices and financial viability of the country’s energy sector.
Akume made the call at the closing ceremony of the 7th edition of the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja on Friday, 1st March, 2024.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation noted that the theme of the summit, “Navigating the New Energy World Order: Security, Transition, and Finance” underscored the complexities and challenges that Nigeria faced in the dynamic landscape of the global energy sector.
“This theme is not just a reflection of our current realities but a call action for all stakeholders to collaboratively address the crucial issues that lie at the intersection of energy security, transition, and financial sustainability”, he remarked.
While appreciating the organizers for a successful event, Akume said that, the summit had evolved over the years as the most prestigious gathering of minds in the energy sector.
“The exchange of ideas and the spirited discussions witnessed here have undoubtedly charted a course for the future of energy in our nation”, he added.
Earlier in his closing speech which he delivered on behalf the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resource (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D and Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resource (Gas) Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella stated that the summit had been an incredible journey of knowledge sharing, collaboration and foresight.
This Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) according to Nicholas “Has transcended borders, hosting international delegates from over 50 countries, who have actively engaged in shaping the discourse of the dynamic Energy World Order. Moreover, the online streaming of the event has exceeded our expectations and brought in about 700 thousand participants from across the globe. The depth and diversity of perspectives scheduling the Summit will no doubt increase our understanding of the Nigerian Energy Sector”.
The Permanent Secretary promised to crystallize the outcome of the Summit in a comprehensive report that will be shared between the Delegates and Federal Government of Nigeria. “The document (report) will be transmitted to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for onwards conveyance to the highest level of authority, encapsulating the collective wisdom and insight gained from the Summit” he said.
The Permanent Secretary further stated that the “Summit dived into pivotal issues that illuminated the dynamic energy landscape. It addressed the pressing issues and needs for a sustainable future and will suffice the urgency of adopting cleaner alternative in reducing carbon emissions as part of the Global Energy Transition. Discussions underscore the imperative of energy security, exploring strategies to diversify sources and fortify infrastructure against geo-political uncertainties”.
According to him, the Summit, looked at the role of technological innovation, including artificial intelligence and digitalization as key drivers in optimizing the energy process.
In an address, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated that, access to electricity was a fundamental requirement for socio-economic development.
He noted that it was a pleasure to see so many dedicated individuals and experts at the summit discussed strategies and solutions for bridging the energy access gap.
Adelabu said, in recent years, significant progress had been made globally in improving access to electricity; nevertheless, a substantial portion of the world population still faced challenges in obtaining reliable and affordable electricity.
He further stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR was doing everything possible to increase the availability, reliability and affordability of power.
In the plenary wrap-up, the Chief Executive Officer, Brevity Anderson and the curator of NIES, Dr. James Shindi noted that about 350 people comprising members of the Local Organising Committee from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Brevity team, volunteers, among others put the event together.
Dr. Shindi stated that the communiqué from the summit that will form part of the policy directions for government would be shared among the stakeholders.
Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa (Mrs.)
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