Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed Lagos’ position as the heartbeat of Africa’s energy and logistics landscape, calling on stakeholders across the continent to embrace collaboration, innovation, and sustainability as the pillars of future growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 19th OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week, themed “Energy Sustainability: Growth Beyond Boundaries & Competition,” Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Biodun Ogunleye, described OTL Africa as a transformative platform that has shaped the continent’s downstream energy evolution for nearly two decades.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the OTL Africa platform for its tangible contributions to the sector’s progress, citing notable examples such as Mainland Oil and Gas, which recently announced multi-billion-naira investments in CNG and LPG distribution following engagements at OTL, and Rainoil Limited, whose decade-long partnership with the event continues to enhance energy access across Africa.
He also referenced global technology firm Dover Fueling Solutions, which has used the OTL platform to introduce digital forecourt automation and smart fueling systems — technologies now reshaping Africa’s retail and logistics sectors.
“These examples highlight the incredible strength of collaboration,” the Governor noted. “The essence of this year’s theme — ‘Growth Beyond Boundaries & Competition’ — reminds us that progress is not a competition; it is a collective journey filled with ideas, investments, and shared visions.”
Reaffirming Lagos’ leadership in Nigeria’s energy modernization drive, Sanwo-Olu outlined ongoing state-led initiatives such as the Lagos State Electricity Policy and the Lagos Energy Transition Plan, both aimed at expanding access to clean and affordable power.
“We are promoting private involvement and establishing Lagos as a leading example of subnational leadership in Africa’s energy transition,” he said. “Our goal is to create an enabling environment for innovation and sustainable energy growth.”
The Governor pledged continued collaboration with OTL Africa and other energy industry platforms that connect policymakers, regulators, investors, and innovators in pursuit of a cleaner, more inclusive, and resilient energy future.
Sanwo-Olu concluded by welcoming participants from across the continent and beyond, expressing confidence that deliberations at OTL 2025 will generate actionable insights for both industry growth and Africa’s energy independence.
“The discussions and connections made here will spark new opportunities — for Lagos, for Nigeria, and for Africa,” he said.
