Affordable, Reliable Energy Is the Key to Nigeria’s Prosperity, Says Seplat

“The imperative before us is clear. We must build a prosperous Nigeria, and we can only do that with affordable and reliable energy that is accessible to all.”

With this defining declaration, Seplat Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Samson Ezugworie, set the tone for a forward-looking conversation on Nigeria’s energy security and development at the Opening Ceremony of the 43rd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference & Exhibition in Lagos.

Representing one of Nigeria’s leading independent energy companies, listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, Ezugworie delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s deep-rooted energy access challenges. According to him, more than 70 million Nigerians lack electricity, while over 170 million people still depend on biomass for cooking, harming both public health and the environment.

With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 237 million by 2025 and 400 million by 2050, Ezugworie stressed that the country cannot afford to postpone solutions.

He argued that Nigeria must urgently scale production to support national growth. Increasing oil output, he said, is essential not only for strengthening government revenues and closing existing budgetary gaps, but also for driving GDP expansion and maintaining Nigeria’s status as Africa’s economic anchor. In parallel, he called for an accelerated push to harness the country’s abundant natural gas reserves, noting that gas remains central to expanding domestic energy access, replacing polluting generators, enabling clean cooking, and powering local industries.

Ezugworie also highlighted a major structural shift in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector: the transition of asset ownership from international oil companies to motivated but less capitalised local operators. While this shift brings new financing and environmental management pressures, he noted that it also unlocks opportunities for deeper local expertise, stronger community partnerships, and a more Nigerian-driven energy industry.

According to him, Seplat Energy’s approach to navigating these dynamics is anchored on three core principles: Leadership, Partnership, and Stewardship. These principles, he noted, have already begun to produce results—particularly following the company’s recent offshore asset acquisition. The COO disclosed that Seplat has rehabilitated 33 wells, successfully bringing 26 back onstream, with combined output of about 33,000 barrels. The cost-efficient rehabilitation strategy, he said, demonstrates how targeted interventions can help close Nigeria’s production deficits.

On gas initiatives, Ezugworie provided updates on the company’s expanding portfolio. He announced that first gas from the joint venture ANOH Gas Processing Plant is imminent, while the upgraded Sapele Gas Plant has recently delivered its first liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargoes. He added that the company remains firmly on track to end routine flaring across its onshore operations—an initiative that will reduce emissions, monetise captured gas, and deliver environmental and community benefits.

“Our progress on gas initiatives like ANOH, Sapele, and LPG shipments is a testament to our commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity,” he said. “These projects are not just about energy; they are about transforming lives and powering Nigeria’s development.”

With Nigeria facing a growing population, rising energy demand, and increasing pressure to diversify and decarbonise its energy system, Seplat Energy’s message at NAPE underscores the urgency—and possibility—of building a secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for all Nigerians.