For Nigeria to achieve a sustainable and globally competitive energy future, it must embrace policy clarity, technology, and strong collaboration across the industry. That was the message from Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos.
Addressing stakeholders at the event themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy,” Ahmed stressed that consistent, transparent, and investor-friendly policies are foundational to building confidence and attracting capital to the sector.
According to him, sustainable energy growth depends heavily on efficient delivery systems, including modern gas transportation networks, virtual pipelines, commodity exchanges, and improved marine and land logistics.
“To unlock the full potential of our energy sector, we must optimize our supply chains and liberalize the market while ensuring effective coordination among all players,” he said.
Ahmed also underscored the importance of investing in human capital. He said skilled personnel across operations, regulation, services, and logistics will be crucial in supporting the sector’s long-term ambitions.
“The mobility of global capital means Nigeria must remain competitive by building local expertise that can support innovation and growth,” he noted.
He further explained that with the global energy space being reshaped by factors such as AI, carbon neutrality goals, and technological advancements, Nigeria must act fast to adopt smart solutions. Areas like artificial intelligence, hydrogen, energy storage, biofuels, smart grids, and carbon capture are no longer optional—they are strategic imperatives, Ahmed added.
The NMDPRA, he said, is committed to promoting these innovations by enacting supportive regulations and working closely with stakeholders to implement them.
“We are investing in technology, boosting operational efficiency, and driving regulatory effectiveness across our mandate areas,” Ahmed stated.
He encouraged industry operators to adopt intelligent systems to better manage critical infrastructure such as pipelines and bulk storage, while also improving emissions tracking and environmental compliance.
Ahmed closed by reaffirming the Authority’s dedication to creating a sustainable petroleum industry through smart governance, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration.
“The future is within reach,” he said. “But it will take bold ideas, shared responsibility, and strong leadership to build an energy sector that powers our economy and supports our people.”
