A group, under the auspices of African Centre for Energy Governance and Accountability, ACEGA, has tasked President Bola Tinubu on the need for deeper investment in energy infrastructure, faster resolution of legacy disputes, and strategic planning for Nigeria’s energy transition in the face of global decarbonisation targets.
The suggestions is coming on the heels of the second year administration of President Bola Tinubu, which has elicited critical assessment of his governance since he became President.
According to the group’s Executive Director, Dr Usman Bello Idris, the Nigerian oil and gas sector is still faced with challenges in refining capacity, gas monetisation, and energy access for its people.
He, however, noted that Tinubu’s administration has shown political will, which has helped in reviving the sector.
“The future of oil and gas in Nigeria can be cleaner, more transparent, and more rewarding for all stakeholders,”Idris stated.
He lauded Tinubu for strengthening support for the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) especially its deliberate push to increase crude oil production for the country.
“Tinubu’s approach to reform in the oil and gas sector has restored investor confidence, revived production targets, and positioned Nigeria as a more responsible and efficient oil-producing nation.
“For years, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector groaned under inefficiency, uncertainty, and dwindling output. But what we are seeing today under the current leadership is a bold reset — one that respects the sanctity of the Petroleum Industry Act while pushing for real, measurable growth,” he said.
ACEGA noted that Since mid-2023, the country has seen a gradual climb in output levels, reaching 1.7 million barrels per day in recent months — a marked improvement from the lows of 2022 when output plunged below 1.2 million barrels due to theft, vandalism, and poor infrastructure.
Dr Idris noted that this uptick did not happen by chance but was the result of deliberate interventions supported by Tinubu, including the relaunch of dormant assets, improved metering systems, and coordinated security efforts around critical pipelines.
“Nigeria’s crude oil production had been on life support, but through strategic regulatory leadership and presidential backing, the situation is reversing. Fields are coming back online, theft is being checked, and operators are regaining the confidence to produce,” he said.
The group noted that Tinubu’s government did not just inherit the legislation; it has gone further to empower the relevant agencies, notably the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to deliver on its promises.
“ Tinubu needs to be commended for not sidelining the PIA or paying lip service to its provisions. Instead, he has supported a robust implementation strategy that is already yielding results in licensing, fiscal discipline, community development, and investor clarity,” Dr. Idris stated.
The PIA, which took nearly two decades to become law, was designed to overhaul Nigeria’s oil and gas governance by introducing a transparent fiscal framework, separating regulatory responsibilities, and ensuring that host communities benefit from oil proceeds.
“From the Host Communities Development Trust to new fiscal incentives for marginal fields, and clearer guidelines for environmental compliance, the PIA under this administration is not just a document — it is a living, working tool of reform,” Idris added.
