In a strategic move to combat Africa’s persistent energy challenges, Nigeria and South Africa have pledged closer collaboration in the oil and gas sector, signalling a continental shift toward sustainable, African-led energy solutions.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.
In a statement by the special assistant on media and communication to the minister, Nneamaka Okafor, Senator Lokpobiri emphasised the need for African nations to look inward and adopt homegrown solutions to bridge the continent’s energy gap.
“Africa must begin to look inward for sustainable solutions to its energy challenges. Boosting local production capacities and retaining our generated resources within the continent is the foundation for long-term energy security,” he said.
The visit by the South African delegation was part of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral energy cooperation, enhancing intra-African trade, and exploring joint initiatives to meet the continent’s growing energy needs.
Senator Lokpobiri used the opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s progress in the energy sector, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.
“Nigeria has significantly enhanced its local capacity in the oil and gas sector. We are witnessing a new era where indigenous companies are taking ownership by acquiring assets from International Oil Companies that are divesting. This marks a shift toward true energy independence,” he said.
Replying, Minister Gwede Mantashe lauded Nigeria’s advancements in local energy development and expressed South Africa’s readiness to collaborate for mutual benefit.
“Nigeria’s progress in its energy sector is impressive. We are here to share experiences, learn from each other, and build frameworks that support mutual growth. The goal is to develop strategies that are not only beneficial to our two nations but to the African continent at large,” Mantashe said.
Discussions during the meeting focused on developing indigenous capacity, boosting cross-border energy trade, and creating robust mechanisms for knowledge sharing and joint investments.
Both ministers acknowledged that collaboration among African nations is key to tackling the widespread issue of energy poverty.
“As we collaborate with South Africa, we are also learning from their experiences. Our shared insights will contribute to increased oil production and more resilient energy systems across Africa,” Senator Lokpobiri added.
“Deepening our ties is vital to creating sustainable, African-led solutions to our energy challenges. This is not just about Nigeria and South Africa, it’s about the future of energy in Africa.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to establish working groups focused on joint investments, technology sharing, and regional energy integration.
These efforts are expected to serve as a blueprint for broader continental cooperation and accelerate progress toward a self-sufficient African energy landscape.