Seplat Energy Plc, a leading indigenous energy company, has stressed the importance of improving energy access in Nigeria as a catalyst for the country’s development.
At the ongoing 42nd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Lagos, Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, highlighted the pivotal role of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in driving job creation, economic prosperity, and progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the event, Mr. Brown, who was represented by the Director of New Energy at Seplat Energy, Mr. Okey Mba, focused on the conference theme, “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability.”
He noted that addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges is critical to overcoming the country’s barriers to economic and social development, which are largely due to poor energy access.
“Nigeria’s development will require significant improvements in access to energy. With gas, significant development gains can be achieved with minimal impact on emissions. The country must transition away from reliance on biomass and oil as its primary sources of energy,” Mr. Brown said.
According to the CEO, Nigeria faces significant challenges due to rapid population growth and limited economic and social development opportunities, which are exacerbated by inadequate energy infrastructure.
He stressed that the country must achieve a delicate balance between energy equity, security, and sustainability to support long-term growth.
Gas: Nigeria’s Transition Fuel for Sustainable Growth
Mr. Brown made a compelling case for gas as Nigeria’s key transition fuel, emphasizing that gas is a proven and accepted solution for bridging the energy gap while supporting sustainable development.
He highlighted that gas is already recognized as a reliable transition fuel in developed nations and that Nigeria, with its abundant local gas reserves, is well-positioned to leverage gas as a key driver of energy security and economic growth.
“Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves offer a local solution to resolving the country’s energy trilemma,” Mr. Brown explained. “With an estimated 209 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas reserves, Nigeria is sitting on one of the largest natural gas resources in Africa, and many experts believe the actual figure could be two to three times that amount.”
The Seplat Energy CEO emphasized that as Nigeria develops its gas reserves, the country can simultaneously boost its energy security while addressing emissions concerns.
By replacing inefficient and polluting diesel-powered generators with cleaner, utility-scale gas and renewable energy solutions, Nigeria can decarbonize its energy system and significantly reduce energy costs.
Mr. Brown pointed out that Nigeria’s energy crisis could be alleviated by displacing outdated power generation systems—such as the 40 gigawatts (GW) of generator capacity—currently reliant on expensive and environmentally harmful fuels like diesel and heavy fuel oil.
Transitioning to gas-fired power generation and renewable energy sources would not only reduce carbon emissions but also lower the cost of energy across the country.
“Every gigawatt (GW) of generator power displaced by cleaner utility-scale gas will decarbonize Nigeria’s energy system and reduce the cost of energy,” Mr. Brown said.
“Our industry must focus on end-to-end solutions to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s gas so we can resolve the energy trilemma.”
Seplat Energy’s Role in Advancing Gas Solutions
Seplat Energy is actively contributing to resolving the energy trilemma by investing in gas infrastructure and cleaner energy solutions. The company has made significant strides through joint venture investments aimed at expanding gas production capacity at its ANOH and Sapele gas plants.
These investments are expected to enhance Seplat’s ability to provide reliable and cleaner energy options for Nigeria’s growing power needs.
Seplat is also focusing on diversifying its product offerings to include Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), both of which can contribute to reducing emissions and improving access to affordable energy in Nigeria.
Additionally, the company is taking steps to decarbonize its own operations, including reducing gas flaring and replacing diesel with cleaner alternatives.
Mr. Brown urged stakeholders in the Nigerian energy sector, including government agencies, industry players, and international partners, to work together to maximize the potential of Nigeria’s vast gas reserves.
He emphasized that strategic investments in gas infrastructure, renewable energy, and clean technologies are essential to achieving long-term energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Seplat Energy’s ongoing efforts to advance gas development and reduce emissions reflect the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition and fostering sustainable growth.
With its vast reserves of natural gas and the potential for large-scale energy transformation, Nigeria has an opportunity to lead the way in Africa’s energy sector and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.
