Nigeria Cannot Decarbonize to Poverty — Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo at ADIPEC 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE – November 5, 2025

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to a balanced and pragmatic energy transition, emphasizing that “Nigeria cannot decarbonize to poverty.”

Speaking at a high-level panel session during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2025, Minister Ekpo stated that while Nigeria remains committed to global climate goals, the nation’s transition pathway must reflect its unique socio-economic realities and developmental needs.
“Energy transition is not a one-cap-fits-all journey,” Ekpo declared. “For Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is about energy addition — expanding access through our vast natural gas resources while investing in cleaner oil production and renewables. We cannot abandon our resources or our people in the name of transition.”
The Minister highlighted that Nigeria possesses over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, which will play a pivotal role in driving industrialization, power generation, and economic growth. He noted that gas serves as both a cleaner alternative to coal and oil and a bridge fuel toward a low-carbon future.
“Our focus is to harness our enormous gas reserves to boost electricity generation, support renewables, and create jobs,” Ekpo explained. “Gas will underpin our development while enabling cleaner, more efficient energy systems across the country.”

Ekpo reiterated that Nigeria’s energy strategy is anchored on energy security, affordability, and sustainability. The government’s priority, he said, is to ensure that millions of Nigerians currently lacking access to reliable power are not left behind in the global drive for decarbonization.
“Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions,” the Minister noted. “Yet, we are asked to transition at the same pace as developed economies. This is not equitable. For us, the transition must be just, inclusive, and centered on human development.”
He also called on international partners and investors to support Nigeria’s gas and cleaner energy projects, stressing that Africa’s energy future must be driven by partnership, technology transfer, and fair financing.

As the world races toward net-zero targets, Ekpo’s remarks underscore Nigeria’s determination to pursue a realistic and inclusive path—one that balances environmental responsibility with economic resilience.