Nigeria Pushes for Regional Energy Integration to Cut $120bn Import Bill

By Diafa Doubra,

Nigeria has renewed its call for stronger regional cooperation in the oil and gas sector as a way of tackling Africa’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products.

Speaking at the Africa Oil Week 2025, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the continent spends over $120 billion annually on importing hydrocarbons despite its vast natural reserves.

Lokpobiri stressed that Nigeria is ready to champion regional energy integration, which will involve sharing infrastructure, harmonising standards, and building cross-border energy partnerships. According to him, such collaboration will not only cut the import bill but also boost industrialisation, create jobs, and strengthen energy security across Africa.

Industry experts at the forum backed Nigeria’s position, noting that without collaboration, African countries risk continued dependence on foreign refineries while their own resources remain underutilised.