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Clean Energy Transition In Africa:Five Takeaways From The SPE Lagos Technical Symposium

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4 years ago

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Haruna Muhammad

 

The clean energy transition has been a trendy topic from Lagos to Los Angeles, Davos to Darussalam, and Abu-Dhabi down to Aukland. Industry captains and leading state actors champion campaigns and roll out strategic plans to accelerate the clean energy transition. Today, this is not breaking news: leading multinational oil and gas companies have expanded their portfolios to accommodate non-fossil fuels and enable the clean energy transition. For instance, in Paris, on May 28, 2021, Total switched to TotalEnergies. While giving out why Total changed its name to TotalEnergies, the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanne, said, our ambition is to be a world-class player in the energy transition [1].

In Nigeria, in line with the Federal Government’s ‘decade of gas’ initiative, a global leading energy company, Shell, in November 2021, unveiled Shell Energy Nigeria with the sole aim to increase natural gas marketing and sales to meet up with ever-growing energy demands and, of course, accelerate the energy transition in the country and world at large [2]. An article by McKinsey, “The big choices for oil and gas in navigating the energy transition,” provided an insight into how companies are responding to the low-carbon emission transition [3].

Without much rhetoric, one can deduce how the big players in the energy industry are committed to reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the energy transition. This is in line with the UN Paris Agreement 2016, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To fulfill this, all global economy functions must be committed and will be required to reduce emissions in the next ten years (10) years coming.

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While the rest of the world’s continents are rolling out plans to meet up the UN Paris Agreement, the story of energy transition in Africa wears a different systemic symbol. This is because of the continent’s long-term quest to address energy poverty. Stakeholders and business heads are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. It is a confusing story for Africa because people don’t know where they are transiting to, all courtesy of ravaging poverty, insecurity, and energy crisis. For Africa, energy transition is a story on papers, while the reality of the situation is near unattainable.

The SPE Lagos Technical Symposium, on the other hand, provided an intellectual discourse to bring together energy professionals and stakeholders to discuss energy transition. In Africa, Nigeria is known for notorious gas flaring. Nigeria joins nine other countries that account for 75% of the global gas flaring, as stated by the World Bank during the Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report 2022 published on the bank’s website [4]. Thankfully, the stakeholders are taking impressive actions to address that to save the planet from the dangers of climate injustice.

The symposium, graced by seasoned oil and gas professionals, was held on the 18th and 19th May 2022 in hybrid formation. Based on over two (2) hours long panel discussions of Africa’s energy transition, here are the five takeaways from the panelists:

1. Hon. N.J. Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Mr. Ayuk, a strong advocate for African entrepreneurship and the indigenous energy sector, spoke passionately about Africa’s possible ways to the energy transition. From the way he started the conversation, you would be amazed by his depth of knowledge and experience. He said: You cannot decarbonize something that is not even carbonized. Mr. Ayuk centered his argument on the need for strong financial institutions and funding within to drive changes in the African energy sector. In his closing remarks, he added that stakeholders should look inwards and invest in gas because it is the future. He also called for a change of policies and more gas to power projects that will create jobs and address climate injustice in the African region. Africa should be on the supply side of the global economy not otherwise, he noted.

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2. Victor Bandele, Deputy Manager, Deep Water Assets, TotalEnergies, Nigeria
Mr. Victor, an industry leader, intelligently talked about challenges in the policy framework in Nigeria and how oil and gas wells are being mismanaged. Riding on that point, he added that, in the early days of oil and gas exploration, most gas wells were left untapped by only focusing on oil-major wells. This act of mismanagement is hunting the energy sector in some countries in Africa. He said we need to deliberate on what we want to do. Africa should champion big projects that will attract investors. The seasoned professional further highlighted the need to expand energy access in Africa via exploring gas wells and solidifying transformational agendas by the stakeholders in what he termed a balanced approach. To achieve this, gas infrastructure will network across the African region, which will be utilized for domestic purposes. He also noted that you could not build on the future energy unless you’ve initial energy. The only way to reduce carbon footprint in Africa is by significantly drilling more gas wells over oil wells. This way, he exclaimed that Africa’s quest for ending energy poverty is attainable.

3. Mr. Kamel Ben – Naceur, the President, Society of Petroleum Engineers International
Mr. Kamel, as an international authority, spoke about SPE’s goals to complement the sustainable development goals of the UN by pointing out that energy transition policies vary from developed economies to developing economies. Moreover, Kamel talked about the SPEi’s plan to collaborate with sister organizations to create a CO2 Assessment tool for CO2 storage. Despite experiencing low investment in six years due to sensitivity of the global market concerning the political events, he said, the oil and gas industry has now witnessed a significant increment in investment by 20%. Finally, Mr. Kamel admitted that Africa has a vital role to play when it comes to the energy transition.

4. Proscovia NABBANJA, Chief Executive Office, Ugandan National Oil Company
The CEO shared her country’s mission to explore opportunities and investments in the Ugandan energy sector. Through strategic project planning, the government has attracted suitable investments. Mrs. Proscovia further discussed the country’s goals in exploring opportunities in non-fossil fuels.

5. Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration, Gambia National Oil Company
Cany Jobe, who carries over 14 years of work in energy projects in West Africa, shared her views on balancing the energy mix. She spoke passionately about Africa should drive her energy transition framework. She rhetorically asked, what we are transitioning from (?). The discussion should be around solving energy poverty in Africa rather than energy transition. In her final remarks, she said that Africa’s energy sector faces financial constraints, and it is not feasible to achieve energy transition without optimizing energy production. If you haven’t gone through it (energy poverty), she said you have no right to talk about it.

In Africa, energy poverty reigns. This is the only continent of the world with a massive gap between modern energy access in the rural and urban areas. According to a report [5], “A clean energy revolution in sub-Saharan Africa is urgently needed to win the fight against energy poverty. Clean energy provides a golden thread to deliver on the promise of Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement”.

While the Sub-Saharan African region becomes a hub of energy poverty, efforts are underway by both states and federal governments at different levels to address the problem. In all, relevant stakeholders must work extra-hard towards addressing the energy crisis because there is ample opportunity in solar and power, which are cheaper than coal in some countries. This will generate more job opportunities and accelerate the energy transition.

Written by Haruna Inuwa, Energy Professional from Lagos state, Nigeria.

Reference
[1] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/total-nigeria-plc-changes-name-to-totalenergies-marketing-nigeria-plc-official/#:~:text=Energy%20transition%3A%20Total%20changes%20name,five%20in%20renewables%20by%202030.

[2] https://www.shell.com.ng/media/2021-media-releases/shell-unveils-shell-energy-business-in-nigeria.html

[3] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/the-big-choices-for-oil-and-gas-in-navigating-the-energy-transition#:~:text=The%20primary%20technologies%E2%80%94renewable%20power,all%20represent%20potential%20growth%20markets.

[4] https://punchng.com/nigeria-nine-others-account-for-75-global-gas-flaring-world-bank/

[5] https://www.oecd.org/environment/cc/climate-futures/Achieving-clean-energy-access-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf

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Opinion

Beyond the Godfather’s Shadow: Why Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Chose Kano Over a Provincial Presidential Quest

Published

2 days ago

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January 5, 2026

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​By Kabiru Sani Dogo Maiwanki

​The recent pronouncements by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso regarding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s strategic political recalibration have finally stripped away the façade, exposing the profound ideological fissures within the NNPP hierarchy. In a caustic address delivered Saturday evening, the Senator characterized the Governor’s newfound autonomy as a “betrayal” of a far more egregious nature than that of his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje. However, in this vitriolic attempt to cast himself as the victim of political infidelity, Kwankwaso inadvertently betrayed a disconcerting truth: he viewed the incumbent administration not as a sovereign executive entity, but as a subordinate instrument of his personal political estate.

​Senator Kwankwaso remarked that, as a presidential hopeful, his fundamental expectation was that the administration he purportedly “installed” would function as a geopolitical centrifuge—a financial and logistical catalyst designed to project the Kwankwasiyya hegemony into neighboring Northwestern territories. He expressed profound chagrin that, over two years into this mandate, the machinery of the Kano State government has not been weaponized to “conquer” even Jigawa State for his political brand. This revelation is remarkably candid; it implies that the Senator’s patronage of the current administration was never rooted in the socio-economic advancement of the Kano populace, but was instead a cynical stratagem to treat the state’s commonwealth as a private war chest for a singular, ego-driven presidential odyssey.

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​By resisting this role, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has committed what Kwankwaso perceives as an unpardonable “sin,” but what objective observers must recognize as a courageous act of institutional integrity. The Governor’s refusal to allow the Kano State treasury to be cannibalized for regional political expansion is a resounding victory for fiscal prudence and administrative transparency. It represents a principled rejection of the archaic practice where public commonwealth is weaponized to bolster the narrow political interests of a singular godfather at the expense of the citizenry.

​The depth of the Senator’s desperation is now laid bare for all to see. In a striking reversal from his usual posture of absolute authority, Kwankwaso has been reduced to making public appeals for reconciliation. His recent plea—openly asking anyone with access to the Governor to “beg him to come back”—reveals a leader who has finally grasped the magnitude of his loss. It is the sound of a man who realizes that the “innocent aide” he once underrated has not only secured his independence but has taken the soul of the movement with him.

​It is therefore essential for Kwankwaso and other political leaders who pride themselves on their political stature to realize that there is a limit to how long they can continue to deceive and exploit their followers. Respect must be reciprocal; whether between a leader and the led, there is a definitive limit to the amount of insult, manipulation, and contempt any person can endure.

Whenever you push a supporter to the brink and their patience finally runs out, the consequences of their anger will certainly be unpleasant for those in power.
​For the well-meaning people of Kano, this is a moment to offer unalloyed commendation. Governor Abba deserves praise for his steadfastness in protecting the state’s allocations and for prioritizing the welfare of the masses over the expansionist agenda of a political empire. Abba Kabir Yusuf has chosen to be the custodian of the people’s trust rather than a puppet for personal ambition, and in doing so, he has redefined the essence of leadership in Kano.

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Opinion

From Zamfara roots to national vision: Aliyu Muhammad Adamu, seasoned media leader, returns home to serve his people.”

Published

2 days ago

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January 4, 2026

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Aliyu Muhammad Adamu was born on 29th December 1982 in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, into the respected Adamu Joji family.

He hails from a lineage that includes notable family members such as Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe (Sarkin Yakin Tsafe), Alhaji Aliyu Adamu (Danmadami), Alhaji Sani Adamu, Hajiya Khadija Adamu (Gwoggo Dala), and Hajiya Amina, among others.

His father, Muhammad Adamu (popularly known as Nata’ala), later relocated to Kano State in pursuit of business expansion. As a result, Aliyu and his siblings were raised in Kano, where he began his early education at Da’awa Primary School, Kano.

Driven by a strong connection to his roots, Aliyu returned to Zamfara State for his secondary education, attending Unity Secondary School, Gummi. He subsequently gained admission into Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where he obtained both his Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree, graduating in 2010.

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After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Aliyu faced the realities of life with resilience and determination, navigating through challenges that shaped his character and leadership capacity. In 2014, he returned to Zamfara State and began his professional career in the media industry with Gamji Television and Radio.

Through dedication, hard work, and professional excellence, he served the organization for nearly ten years, rising through the ranks to become the General Manager of the station, an achievement that underscored his leadership, administrative competence, and commitment to public communication.

In 2023, Aliyu voluntarily resigned from the media organization and relocated to Kano State in pursuit of broader opportunities and personal development. Today, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and a lifelong commitment to his people, Aliyu Muhammad Adamu is preparing to return to his hometown to seek the support and mandate of his people. His aspiration is to represent our parents, brothers, and sisters at the federal level, with a clear vision of contributing meaningfully to the development, unity, and overall progress of Zamfara State.

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Opinion

Opinion:The Anatomy Of A Hoax- Setting The Record Straight On Governor Abba Yusuf

Published

3 days ago

on

January 4, 2026

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​By Ahmed Badamasi Tsaure

​The recent wave of political “scoops” regarding the purported defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved beyond mere speculation into a coordinated campaign of character assassination. Most notably, reports by Daily Nigerian claiming the Governor’s move was “postponed” are masterpieces of fiction, designed to paint a sitting Governor as indecisive and subordinate. As a witness to the political realities in Kano, I find it necessary to dismantle these fallacies with the facts that the purveyors of this rumor have conveniently ignored. In Nigerian politics, defection is a statutory process requiring a formal resignation from one’s current party. To date, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has not submitted any resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). To claim that a “finalized arrangement” for a Monday registration existed is a procedural hallucination; one cannot join a new house without first stepping out of the old one.
​Furthermore, the narrative suggests the Governor’s plans were shelved because he failed to seek the “blessings” of local APC bigwigs. This is a laughable distortion of executive power. History is replete with Governors who defected based on executive conviction without the interference of local APC “big wigs.” We have seen this with the Governor of Delta vs. Senator Omo-Agege, the Governor of Bayelsa vs. David Lyon and Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, the Governor of Rivers vs. Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Plateau vs. the current National Chairman of the APC. More recently, the defections of Governors like Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ben Ayade (Cross River), and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) proved that when a Governor moves, he does so as the new leader of the party in his state. It is also historically hypocritical to label such a move as “betrayal.” When Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defected from the PDP to the APC in 2013, he did not seek permission from any person or leadership—he led a rebellion based on his own conviction. If it was “principled politics” for the godfather then, it cannot be “betrayal” for the Governor now.

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​What, then, remains for a Governor who already holds the overwhelming mandate of his people? It is a known fact that Governor Abba Yusuf moves with the ironclad support of almost 95% of the Kano State House of Assembly, 50% of the National Assembly members from the state, all 44 Local Government chairmen, and the entire grassroots party structure. The desperate attempt by the NNPP National Working Committee to dissolve the Kano executive committees is a futile, “too-late” maneuver that only confirms their loss of control. When a Governor commands such total loyalty, he does not ask for permission; he leads. The defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is inevitable if he so wishes, as he carries the entire political soul of Kano with him.
​The theory that the APC postponed this move because Senator Kwankwaso is not coming along simply does not hold water. Kwankwaso’s refusal to join the APC is a settled matter; it is alleged the President offered him a ministerial position or the Chairmanship of the soon-to-be resuscitated Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), both of which he rejected after his demand to join the Presidential ticket was denied. Using this stalemate as a pretext for the Governor’s “indecision” is a transparent lie aimed at making the Governor look like a political appendage. It is disheartening to see Daily Nigerian abandon objective journalism to frame the Governor as a “betrayer.” If Governor Abba Yusuf chooses to move, he does so as a leader of a massive political movement. The media must stop concocting stories to mislead the public. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains focused on his mandate. These rumors are merely the desperate gasps of those who wish to see Kano in perpetual turmoil.

​Ahmed Badamasi Tsaure writes from Shanono Local Government, Kano State. He can be reached at ahmedtsaure28@gmail.com.

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