As African nations compete to attract investment into oil, gas, power, renewable energy and energy infrastructure, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has urged Nigeria to take a leading role in shaping the continent’s energy future instead of allowing other countries to dictate the agenda.
In a statement signed by the Chamber’s Chairman, N.J. Ayuk, ahead of the 2026 Africa Energy Week scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, South Africa, the organisation described the event as more than just another energy conference.
According to Ayuk, the gathering will bring together governments, investors, regulators, financiers and industry leaders to discuss Africa’s energy future while competing for investment, partnerships and global influence.
He warned that Nigeria cannot afford to approach the event without a clear strategy, noting that although the country has long been one of Africa’s leading energy producers, historical achievements alone are no longer enough to attract investment.
Ayuk said investors now evaluate countries based on the strength of their reforms, the credibility of their projects, the effectiveness of their institutions and their ability to inspire confidence.
He stressed that Nigeria must move beyond its reputation as a country with enormous energy potential and instead present itself as a destination with clear policies, bankable opportunities and a compelling investment story.
According to him, Nigeria’s delegation should attend the conference with a unified message that highlights ongoing reforms, emerging opportunities and the country’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment.
He added that government agencies, regulators, oil and gas operators, power companies, state governments and indigenous energy firms all have important roles in projecting that message.
Ayuk also identified natural gas as Nigeria’s strongest advantage, describing it as a critical tool for economic development, power generation, industrialisation, fertiliser production, petrochemicals, domestic cooking, exports and regional energy security.
He acknowledged that global concerns over climate change and the energy transition have made financing oil and gas projects more challenging, but argued that Nigeria should confidently present gas as a practical bridge toward a cleaner energy future.
According to him, Nigeria should use Africa Energy Week 2026 to emphasise that Africa’s energy transition must reflect the continent’s unique realities, including widespread energy poverty, the need for industrial growth, job creation and improved electricity access.
He maintained that Nigeria is well positioned to lead that conversation and should use the conference to reinforce its status as one of Africa’s most important and evolving energy markets.