The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a world-class energy centre that will host the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) and other global events.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), at the end of NIES 2026 edition in Abuja, said the center would position Nigeria as a hub for international energy engagement.
The minister reaffirmed commitment to leveraging oil and gas endowments to drive industrialisation, energy security, and economic growth.
Lokpobiri said that land had been secured for the proposed global event centre, adding that the construction would begin under the current administration, while the government would engage industry players on the project’s implementation.
The minister challenged industry stakeholders to invest in domestic infrastructure that would position Nigeria as a destination for global energy dialogue.
The minister, who expressed satisfaction with the active participation of the summit, said that while extensive planning and coordination went into organising a summit of such scale, its success ultimately depended on the calibre of participation.
“NIES 2026 recorded one of the highest concentrations of quality attendance ever witnessed at any global energy conference.
“Every year, Nigerian companies spend huge sums acquiring exhibition space abroad. It is time we built a world-class energy and events centre here in Nigeria and bring the rest of the world to us.
“The industry will own it, build it and engage world class managers to run it sustainably in line with global standards.
“I am hopeful that this project will commence within my tenure,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and sustained support for energy sector reforms.
She also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his presence at the opening ceremony.
Oyekunle commended the participation of the Presidents of The Gambia, Mr Adama Barrow and Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang, noting that their presence reinforced the spirit of African solidarity and regional cooperation that NIES continues to promote.
Over the four days of deliberations, she said, NIES 2026 once again proved to be a premier platform for cross-sector engagement, bringing together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, innovators and development partners to advance energy security.
