The Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Wole Ogunsanya, has called on African nations to strengthen indigenous expertise and better utilise their natural resources in order to secure long-term energy sustainability amid shifting global dynamics.
He made the remarks during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026 in Houston, Texas, United States.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Africa’s Energy Transformation: Scaling Investments, Technology and Local Capacity for Sustainable Growth,” Ogunsanya said the continent must act decisively to safeguard its energy future.
He noted that global energy priorities are increasingly becoming regionalised, with countries focusing on securing their own supply chains and energy security becoming a central global concern.
Ogunsanya pointed to rising investments in shale gas in the United States, Europe’s expansion of renewable energy, and China’s leadership in electric vehicle and battery production as evidence of a rapidly changing energy landscape.
He stressed that Africa must take advantage of its vast oil and gas reserves to drive industrialisation, boost economic development, and achieve greater energy independence.
According to him, “Africa cannot afford to be sidelined in the global energy transition.”
He noted that while the continent may not yet lead in advanced energy technologies such as battery production, it remains richly endowed with hydrocarbons that continue to be essential to global energy supply.
Ogunsanya revealed that Africa holds more than 120 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and significant natural gas deposits, while Nigeria alone accounts for over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas.
He explained that the main challenge lies not in resource availability but in the ability to effectively harness them for development.
The PETAN chairman linked low energy access across Africa to persistent poverty, slow industrial growth, and poor health outcomes, noting that energy availability directly impacts quality of life.
He said improved access to electricity and gas would enhance food preservation, agricultural processing, healthcare delivery, and overall life expectancy.
Ogunsanya emphasised that bridging Africa’s energy deficit is essential for improving living standards and expanding opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.
He also highlighted PETAN’s efforts in promoting local content and regional cooperation through the African Local Content Association (ALCA).
According to him, Nigerian firms have developed strong technical capabilities that can support energy projects across the continent.
He added that Nigeria’s experience in the oil and gas sector places it in a strong position to assist other African countries through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Ogunsanya credited the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 for significantly boosting indigenous participation and capacity building in the sector.
He noted that many successful Nigerian energy firms were built on decades of experience gained through partnerships with international oil companies.
“What Nigeria learned over several decades can now be transferred across Africa in a much shorter time through collaboration,” he said.
Ogunsanya also expressed support for the proposed African Energy Bank scheduled for launch in 2026, describing it as a major step toward improving access to financing for energy projects on the continent.
He reiterated that Africa already possesses the talent, resources, and market potential needed for growth, stressing that stronger financing mechanisms, regional cooperation, and political commitment are key to unlocking the continent’s energy future.