By Emmanuel Emeka, Abuja
The Non-Executive Director of NNPC Limited, Dr. Bello Babura Rabiu, has warned that Africa’s energy future is at serious risk if the continent fails to balance growth, governance, and sustainability in its development agenda.
Speaking during the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025) in Abuja, Dr. Rabiu said Africa’s energy paradox; being rich in resources but poor in energy access, remains one of the greatest threats to inclusive development on the continent.
He explained that despite holding about 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of gas, millions of Africans still lack reliable electricity, while several communities remain trapped in energy poverty.
He said, “We have enough resources to power Africa for hundreds of years. What we lack is the infrastructure, governance, and inclusive framework to turn potential into prosperity.”
Dr. Rabiu lamented that although Africa contributes the least to global carbon emissions, it suffers some of the harshest climate change impacts. He cited reports showing that regions like North and West Africa could see temperature rises of up to 3°C in the coming decades, threatening agriculture and livelihoods.
Turning to Nigeria, he said the country’s energy inequality paints a worrying picture — with nearly 40 percent of the population lacking access to steady power and over 43 percent still depending on firewood for cooking.
“We cannot talk about industrial growth when millions are still in the dark. Energy poverty is the single biggest barrier to inclusive progress.” He said
He emphasized that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are no longer optional but essential for attracting responsible investment and ensuring long-term development.
He said,“ESG is now the language of modern investment. Transparency, social responsibility, and environmental impact are what will attract the right investors to Africa.”
Dr. Rabiu urged African nations to move beyond exporting crude oil and raw gas to developing refining capacity, petrochemicals, and gas-to-power projects that can create jobs and add value to local economies.
He added that revenues from hydrocarbons should be reinvested in education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure to drive diversification and strengthen resilience.
He said, “We must move from exporting raw materials to exporting refined value. That’s how we will industrialize our economies and ensure that oil wealth benefits the people.”
He concluded that transparency, strong institutions, and community engagement are critical to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring that Africa’s resources serve its people.
He said, “When we do the right thing, investment follows. Africa’s future lies in balancing growth with governance and sustainability. That’s how we’ll turn our resources into real prosperity.”
Panel sessions following his address focused on strategies for implementing ESG frameworks across Africa’s hydrocarbon sector, aligning with the conference theme — “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance.”
