Oando Energy Resources says it is developing a pilot project to generate electricity from abandoned oil wells as part of efforts to expand clean energy and strengthen Nigeria’s electricity supply.
The initiative was unveiled during a meeting between the company’s management and the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, where both sides discussed opportunities to boost power generation through greater use of domestic energy resources.
Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie Irune, said the project would convert abandoned wells within the company’s joint venture operations into geothermal-style power generation facilities. He described the initiative as an innovative approach to improving electricity access while making productive use of idle energy assets.
Irune explained that the project falls under the company’s clean energy business, Oando Clean Energy, which was established to develop integrated energy solutions using gas, solar, wind and hydropower across Africa.
He noted that Oando already contributes to Nigeria’s electricity supply through the 480-megawatt Okpai Independent Power Plant, which feeds power into the national grid and serves millions of electricity consumers.
According to him, the company is placing increasing emphasis on natural gas investments, describing the resource as essential for driving industrial growth and supporting economic recovery.
He added that expanding reliable electricity infrastructure would be critical to building a more productive economy and accelerating industrialisation.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening the gas-to-power strategy, describing it as a key component of the country’s industrial development agenda.
The minister said Nigeria should maximise its available energy resources by deploying them in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, highlighting hydro, gas and solar as priority energy sources.
Tegbe also welcomed Oando’s offer to provide technical and advisory support, stressing that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would help accelerate reforms in the electricity sector.
Both parties agreed to continue discussions on areas of partnership, with Oando expressing confidence that sustained cooperation between industry and government would be necessary to achieve Nigeria’s long-term energy transformation goals.
