As African countries race to attract investment into oil, gas, power, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure, Nigeria faces a clear choice: it can either help shape the continent’s energy agenda or allow others to define the conversation without it. The call was made by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) in a statement signed by the Chamber’s Chairman, N.J.
Ayuk, on Monday, ahead of the 2026 Africa Energy Week, scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 12 to 16 October 2026. He stressed that the conference is not just another international energy conference, but a platform where governments, investors, operators, regulators, financiers, and industry leaders will gather to discuss the future of energy on the continent.
“It is also a place where countries will compete for visibility, capital, partnerships, and influence. “Nigeria cannot afford to approach that table casually.” “For decades, the country has been one of Africa’s most important energy producers. Its oil has shaped public revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and international investment.
Its gas reserves remain central to the country’s industrial ambitions. Its power-sector challenges have affected households, businesses, and manufacturers across the country. “But in today’s energy market, history is no longer enough. “Countries are being judged by the clarity of their reforms, the credibility of their projects, the strength of their institutions, and the seriousness with which they engage investors.
“Nigeria may have scale, resources, and market size, but those advantages must now be converted into confidence.” READ ALSO: FG Meets With Dangote Refinery, Marketers, Pushes For Petrol Price Reduction He called on the country to move from the point of potential to positioning itself as a critical stakeholder.
“Nigeria is often described as a country of enormous energy potential. But potential alone does not attract capital. Investors want to see direction, discipline, and bankable opportunities.