General
Africa Needs Technological Expertise to Unlock Full Potential of Energy Resources—Ayuk
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
The Russian Energy Week International Forum is a key global platform for discussing current trends in the development of the modern energy sector. This event is traditionally held at the highest level, featuring the participation of leaders from the largest companies in the energy industry. In 2023, the forum attracted over 3,000 participants from more than 80 foreign countries.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Executive Chairman of the South Africa-based African Energy Chamber, Mr NJ Ayuk, acknowledged in an exclusive interview that Africa is developing as the fastest-growing energy market in the world. That, however, substantial investment and infrastructure development are required to realize this market potential.
In this interview, NJ Ayuk further explained the necessary steps African countries are adopting to ensure sustainable energy development, how the activities of Russian companies fit into this context, as well as existing challenges and financial support measures for projects in the energy sector across Africa. Here are the excerpts of the discussion:
After participating in the Russian Energy Week in mid-October, what are your objective views (especially during the special Russia-Africa energy sessions) about exploring business and investment in the energy sector with Russia?
There lies significant opportunities for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Russia and African countries. Russia represents the third largest oil producer worldwide and has effectively utilized its substantial gas reserves for the development of its economy. At the same time, the country is exploring renewable energy solutions and is looking at expanding its footprint in other markets worldwide.
With substantial expertise and resources in various energy domains, lessons learnt by Russia will be highly strategic for emerging oil and gas producers in Africa. And already, there is strong interest by both sides to foster strong ties and partnerships, evident during the Russian Energy Week this October. Russian companies such as Gazprom – which organized an event with the African Energy Chamber this year in South Africa – represent ‘global energy companies’, and as such are eager to play a greater role in investing and developing international markets. Gazprom has vast expertise is all segments of the value chain. The same can be said for Russia’s state-owned Rosatom. Africa represents both a strategic and highly attractive market in this regard. With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and unparalleled solar, wind and hydro potential, the continent has all the ingredients to become a major global player.
What Africa needs to unlock the full potential of its energy resources is investment and technological expertise. Russia offers both. Now, what is left is for Africa to improve its business environment and prioritize engagement with its East European partner.
By the way, how do you estimate Russia’s engagement in the energy sector across Africa? What has been achieved over the past few years in Africa?
Russia’s engagement with Africa has been gradually growing over the years and we see this predominantly in the energy sector. For years, there have been strong trade and cooperative ties with countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and many more, primarily in the food, machinery and chemical product industries. However, energy cooperation has presented newfound opportunities for both Russia and the African continent. Changes in global supply-demand dynamics, coupled with energy transition impacts, have led to a new focus placed on the strategic Russia-Africa partnership.
In recent years, Russian companies have advanced their engagement with Africa, with several agreements signed across various segments of the value chain. While historical ties have been largely trade-based, these agreements showcase a commitment by the country to expand its technological expertise worldwide. In the nuclear industry, for example, Russia’s Rosatom has signed a wave of agreements with burgeoning nuclear power producers in Africa. These include memoranda of understanding signed with South Africa in 2014 and 2023; Rwanda in 2019; Burkina Faso in October 2023; Burundi in July 2023; and Mali in October 2023. Additional agreements were signed with Zimbabwe and Uganda. And while oil and gas engagement has been minimal to date, going forward, a shift in priorities is expected to see Russia-African cooperation rapidly expand.
Do you think Russia lags in supporting Africa with energy compared to other external players such as China? Can ‘energy mix’ help to drive Africa’s industrialization and economic growth?
It is not about comparing support but rather about exploring future engagement and partnerships. Russia has been a strong partner for Africa for many years and will be an important part of Africa’s energy future. Russia is looking at playing a much larger role in Africa, going further than operating as a project developer. The country’s efforts to share insights, expertise and technology will represent a key driver of Africa’s future energy mix, which in itself is an important feature for alleviating energy poverty and industrializing the continent. Africa is promoting a diverse, inclusive energy mix, one in which oil, gas and renewable energy play a central role. Russia has been highly successful in this area, with natural gas and nuclear making up a significant portion of its energy matrix. In the same sense, African countries have all the resources needed to implement a diverse energy mix, and Russian support will be strategic in achieving this objective.
Is Russia participating in the formation of the proposed African Energy Bank? And finally what potentials are there to develop this sphere of energy business, especially with the heightening dynamics of the global situation?
The African Energy Bank is an initiative spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization and the African Export-Import Bank that aims to significantly improve access to financing for African oil and gas projects. The bank is an Africa-led energy transition strategy that takes into account Africa’s need for oil and gas. Support from major players such as Russia will be critical, strengthening the bank’s capacity to finance a new future of hydrocarbon development in Africa. The changing global energy situation calls for the establishment of an institution of this nature. Africa has long relied on foreign finance to develop large-scale energy projects. From oil to natural gas to power and infrastructure, the continent is faced with navigating the complexities of global market trends. The establishment of the bank aims to counter this reliance, offering an alternative for project developers, countries and companies seeking finance.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have apprehended the Director General of the phantom Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi.
His arrest happened a few hours after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a warrant for his arrest.
The police had announced plans to arraign Mr Adeyemi before the court on Tuesday over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation, and related offences.
The security agency, in a fresh charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, listed Mr Adeyemi, “Femi Surname Unknown,” and “Anu Surname Unknown” as the first to third defendants, respectively, over alleged forgery and impersonation.
The prosecution has lined up several witnesses, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, police officers, civil servants, and individuals allegedly linked to the operations of the purported agency. It was reported that a hotel operator, a clergyman, and persons said to have worked with Mr Adeyemi at the alleged agency are also expected to testify.
Investigators alleged that Mr Adeyemi operated the purported agency from the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja before his arrest.
The police case follows a public debate over the existence of the alleged PFIPC after Mr Adeyemi challenged the Presidency’s denial that the body ever existed.
Mr Adeyemi accused Mr Gbajabiamila of making conflicting statements regarding both the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).
During a recent press briefing, Mr Adeyemi called for an independent probe into the two bodies and alleged that Mr Gbajabiamila demanded financial payments linked to his purported appointment.
He claimed that N400 million was paid through intermediaries, with an additional N200 million allegedly requested—claims that have not been substantiated.
Mr Adeyemi also argued that references to both the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act, questioning the government’s position that the organisations never officially existed.
The planned prosecution comes as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) continues a broader investigation ordered by President Tinubu.
The Senate had earlier declined to immediately investigate the inclusion of the alleged PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act, opting instead to await the outcome of the anti-graft agency’s probe.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed two fuel stations in Ogun State engaging in under-dispensing of petroleum products and non-compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.
Leading the enforcement team around the Akute-Ajuwon axis of the state, the Head of Distribution Systems Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Adebowale, said the move became imperative in view of repeated breaches of regulatory requirements by the affected stations and the need to protect the rights of consumers from sharp practices.
According to him, the development is part of its ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with industry regulations, protect consumers from sharp practices, and ensure that petroleum marketers dispense the correct quantity of products across the state.
He explained that records available to the authority showed that the fuel stations have consistently violated regulatory compliance by under-dispensing petroleum products, illegally breaking official seals placed on the facility, and resuming operations without authorisation.
According to him, such actions amount to a violation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2023 and undermine efforts to protect consumers from exploitation.
“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is carrying out a lawful enforcement on this facility. Our records have consistently shown that this company has been violating regulatory compliance.”
“It is high time we made it clear that they cannot continue to under-dispense products, deliberately remove our seals, and believe that nothing will happen; that is why we are here to enforce the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2023 he said.
“When it comes to under-dispensing, they are cheating members of the public by not selling the correct quantity of fuel. Also, once a station is sealed, it has no authorisation to operate. But this station deliberately removed our seal and continued operations, which is against the law.”
Mr Adebowale disclosed that the authority has been monitoring the station’s activities since 2025, describing the violations as persistent despite several enforcement actions.
He revealed that the affected station had been sealed no fewer than six times within the period, but continued to remove the authority’s seals and ignore invitations extended by the regulator.
“From our records, this has been happening since last year. The station has also refused to honour our invitations. It has been sealed not less than six times, yet it keeps removing our seals and resuming operations.”
On the sanctions awaiting the operators, Adebowale said the authority had served the stations with enforcement notices, while the facilities would remain shut until all stipulated conditions are met.
He added that the NMDPRA management would also consider suspending the operating licence of the affected stations, while also sending a strong warning to any fuel station intending to go against the rules of PIA.
“That is against the rules. They do not have any right to operate until we authorise them to do so. This is a clear deviation from regulatory compliance. According to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), when this happens, we must carry out enforcement, and that is why we are here today.
Beyond conducting this exercise, we are also using this opportunity to address the public through the media. As long as operators are doing the right thing, they have nothing to fear. However, for those going against compliance levels—whether through under-dispensing or direct violation of our seal—all necessary enforcement, penalties, and sanctions will be strictly applied against such offenders.”
“A letter has been served, the station has been completely shut down, and they must meet all the conditions, including payment of the applicable penalties. We are also looking at suspending the operating licence, subject to management’s approval,” he said, warning that any further attempt to tamper with the seals or resume operations illegally would attract criminal prosecution.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it has moved to reduce port gridlock by releasing trucks into Apapa and Tin Can ports in scheduled batches based on terminal demand, while enforcing strict rules against indiscriminate parking on port access roads.
The General Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr Debo Lawal, said the NPA management, led by Managing Director, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, was committed to ending indiscriminate truck parking around the ports and aligning operations with global best practices.
He said the authority was working with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP) to regulate truck movement into terminals through a phased release system.
According to him, trucks will now be released in scheduled batches based on terminal demand, instead of allowing all approved trucks to enter the port corridor simultaneously.
“If a terminal requires 100 trucks, they will not all be released at once. They will come in batches to reduce pressure on the port access roads,” he said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
Mr Lawal said a joint task force had been clearing Apapa and Tin Can port access roads since June 26, 2026, operating until about 8 pm daily to prevent indiscriminate parking.
He added that another clearance exercise would soon be conducted to sustain the gains and prevent a return to the persistent gridlock that previously characterised the port corridors.
The port manager, however, urged truck operators to support the initiative by exiting the port environment immediately after loading or offloading cargo.
He noted that some truck drivers still parked along access roads after completing port operations, despite repeated engagements by the authority.
“We engage truckers and their leadership every day, but enforcement will continue alongside sensitisation to ensure compliance,” he said.
On infrastructure, Mr Lawal said the federal government, through the NPA, had begun payment of the five per cent counterpart funding required for the 726 million dollar port rehabilitation project.
He disclosed that preliminary activities, including borehole drilling and site investigations, had been completed, while contractors were expected to mobilise to the site before the end of July.
According to him, a technical stakeholders’ meeting was held on July 7, while a broader stakeholders’ review was scheduled for July 13 to assess progress and address implementation gaps.
Mr Lawal said the rehabilitation project, alongside ongoing reforms, was aimed at reducing cargo clearance time, eliminating documentation bottlenecks and improving operational efficiency at the nation’s seaports.
He added that the National Single Window project was about 80 per cent completed, with a dedicated office already established near the port to improve inter-agency coordination.
According to him, the digital platform will integrate banks, the Nigeria Customs Service, shipping companies and other government agencies to improve efficiency, plug revenue leakages and enhance revenue collection.
Mr Lawal expressed confidence that improved digitisation, reduced human interference and more efficient truck management would strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and enhance operations at the Apapa and Tin Can ports.
