Nigeria’s Minster of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has called for well structured policies to drive successful energy transition in Africa.
He highlighted Nigeria’s role in shaping Africa’s energy future and shared the country’s strategies for policy, regulation, and financing to attract investment in energy infrastructure.
Adelabu spoke at a closed-door Ministerial Roundtable at 2025 Africa Energy Forum held in Cape Town, South Africa.
The session brought together both public and private sector leaders to accelerate energy project implementation, harmonizing private sector capabilities with national energy priorities.
Adelabu emphasized the importance of a well-structured policy framework, said while Nigeria is committed to decarbonization, its vast hydrocarbon resources remain essential for the country’s economic and energy security.
According to him, this approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the nation’s energy sector.
Adelabu also outlined Nigeria’s recently approved National Integrated Electricity Policy, which seeks to harmonize power generation, transmission, and distribution, incorporating both gas-to-power and renewable energy expansion.
“No energy transition agenda can succeed without a robust policy framework,” Adelabu stated, describing the policy as a critical blueprint for Nigeria’s energy future.
The Minister also detailed Nigeria’s investment priorities, which include grid modernization to enhance energy reliability, greater integration of renewable energy, and the expansion of decentralized energy solutions such as mini-grids and solar home systems.
“Nigeria is open for business across the entire energy spectrum, from hydrocarbons to clean energy,” he declared, signaling a strong invitation to global investors.
At the forum, Adelabu engaged in strategic bilateral talks with key stakeholders, including South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The duo discussed the importance of strengthening Africa’s voice in global energy forums such as the G20 and explored reforms in energy markets, including Nigeria’s privatization experiences and grid expansion financing through public private partnerships.
Adelabu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening energy cooperation with the United Kingdom, holding discussions with His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa, Ben Ainsley.
Additionally, he explored opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s energy compact with the International Finance Corporation, which focuses on both on-grid and off-grid electrification.
He also had engagements with Canada’s Ambassador and Siemens Energy, focusing on trade and grid modernization opportunities.
Through these high-level discussions, Adelabu reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in advancing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for Africa, stating, “Our goal is clear – energy access, sustainability, and prosperity for Nigeria and the continent.”
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