WASHINGTON, DC—On Thursday, March 3, the U.S.-Nigeria Council (USNC) hosted a virtual event on Nigeria’s energy transition. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests, while USNC Senior Advisor Aubrey Hruby moderated a discussion that included Nigerian Minister of State for Environment H.E. Ms. Sharon Ikeazor, Oando Energy Resources Chief Operating Officer Dr. Ainojie “Alex” Irune, Seplat Energy Chairman and Co-Founder Dr. Bryant “ABC” Orjiako, and Nithio Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kate Steel.
The Honourable Minister discussed Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, outlining some of the deliberate steps the Buhari government is taking to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060. She spoke of the need for a “fair, equitable, and just” energy transition, as well as the importance of natural gas as a transition fuel. Irune discussed the important role for oil and gas companies in the global energy transition, as well as low carbon business models that can help such companies to transform. Orjiako emphasized the need for a stable transition, with a healthy balance between net zero ambitions and ever-growing energy demands. Steel touched on the many opportunities that exist to expand renewable power generation in Nigeria, focusing on household level energy access. The ensuing discussion covered a wide range of topics, including clean energy finance and the greatest impediments to universal energy access in Nigeria.
If you would like to learn more about the USNC and our future programming, please email USNC Director of Operations Jonathan Dörnhofer at jdornhofer@usnigeriacouncil.org.