Collaboration’ll Drive Energy Independence In Africa, Says Prof. Adegbulugbe

The CEO of Green Energy International Ltd (GEIL), Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, has called for greater collaboration among African nations to drive energy independence and sustainable development across the continent.

In a keynote speech at the 3rd Edition of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS), held in Windhoek, Namibia, themed ‘A Symphony of Progress – Harnessing Africa’s Natural Resource Development’, Prof. Adegbulugbe urged all African countries to actively promote gas utilisation and solar energy to unlock the continent’s significant energy potential for its people, recognising the vast gas resources and solar energy potential in Africa both regarded as clean energy sources.

He also emphasised the need for local solutions that address both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

“Our journey began with a commitment to environmental sustainability and local impact, long before energy transition and climate change became global imperatives,” he stated, underscoring the long-standing dedication of GEIL to a responsible energy future.

Prof. Adegbulugbe’s remarks centered on the company’s landmark achievements, particularly its successful implementation of an LPG extraction plant and a 6MW power plant.
He said the facilities, which utilise previously flared gas, not only reduce operational costs but also support local energy markets by providing affordable and cleaner energy solutions.

He noted that the initiatives were in line with Nigeria’s National Gas Policy, reinforcing GEIL’s role as a key player in advancing the country’s energy sector toward greater sustainability.

The GEIL CEO also spotlighted thr firm’s forward-thinking approach in compliance with Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates the separation of upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Through this, GEIL established its midstream subsidiary, First Otakikpo Midstream Ltd (FOML), marking a significant step toward innovative local developments in the energy sector. This strategic move, Prof. Adegbulugbe explained was not just about company growth but aimed to transform the broader energy landscape of Africa.

“We aim to transform not just our company, but the energy landscape of Africa,” he said. “The future of energy in Africa lies in a collaborative effort, sharing knowledge and resources, and developing our local industries with a vision for sustainability and economic growth.”

Other speakers at the summit, including the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed; Director at Green Energy International Ltd, HRH Sir David Serena Dokubo; Director of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Madagascar, Jinot Razafimamonjy, opined that Africa’s current natural resources were diminishing in the face of the imperative shift towards renewable energy solutions driven by climate change concerns.

They stressed the need for African countries to embrace gas and solar in the growing era of global energy transition.

A communique signed by the chairman and the Editor in Chief of the African Peace Organisation, Justice Suleman Galadima (Rtd), and Barr. Noah Ajare, respectively, urged all African countries to actively promote gas utilisation and solar energy to unlock the continent’s significant energy potential for its people, recognising the vast gas resources and solar energy potential in Africa both regarded as clean energy sources.