Nigeria Urged to Develop Oil and Gas Resources Urgently

Dan Kunle, the former Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), delivered a keynote lecture titled "Available Access to Sustainable Oil and Gas Resources to Enhance Benefits for Nigerians" at the 4th Annual Distinguished Lecture and Book Presentation Golf Tournament celebrating Engr. Yusuf Lanr Sagaya's 80th birthday in Ilorin, Kwara State. Kunle emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to develop its oil and gas resources to prevent losing significant economic opportunities amid global energy transitions.

He noted that despite Nigeria's vast crude oil and natural gas reserves, the country struggles with energy poverty and weak industrial infrastructure. Kunle warned that declining exploration activities threaten future resource availability and stressed the importance of technological innovation and human knowledge in driving national development.

He highlighted that mere possession of natural resources does not guarantee prosperity, citing examples from countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.