Nigeria Advocates Sustainable Oil Development at Climate Forum

At the Africa Climate Forum 2026 in Abuja, stakeholders warned that Africa's climate commitments may remain unmet without increased private-sector investment and stronger government accountability. The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Emmanuel Okon, Deputy Director of the Midstream and Downstream Department at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, asserted that sustainable petroleum development is essential for the country's energy transition.

Nigeria aims to responsibly harness its oil and gas resources while reducing emissions and diversifying towards cleaner energy. Okon stated that Nigeria possesses approximately 37.01 billion barrels of proven and probable crude oil and condensate reserves and 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven and probable natural gas reserves as of January 1, 2026.

The government is enhancing the regulatory environment under the Petroleum Industry Act to improve production and sustainability. The forum, themed “Implementing in Lockstep: Public-Private Action for Green Outcomes,” calls for stronger public-private partnerships to translate climate pledges into actionable projects.