Chairman of Oilserv Group, Emeka Okwuosa, has called for increased investment in reliable energy infrastructure, saying energy security is critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation and digital development.
Okwuosa made the call at the 22nd International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunication in Port Harcourt, where he spoke on the relationship between energy transition, technology and economic growth.
He said Nigeria’s energy challenges included unreliable electricity, limited grid capacity, inadequate energy storage, financial constraints, cybersecurity risks and shortages of skilled workers.
Citing the International Energy Agency, Okwuosa said achieving universal electricity access across sub-Saharan Africa by 2035 would require nearly $150bn in investment, about six times current annual spending.
He argued that Nigeria’s energy transition must address not only carbon emissions but also affordability, dependable power, job creation and industrial development.
Okwuosa said natural gas could support electricity generation and industrial growth, while renewable energy, mini-grids and distributed power systems could expand access.
He also highlighted investment opportunities in battery storage, power transmission, smart meters, electric vehicle charging, digital oilfield technologies, artificial intelligence-driven maintenance and energy-efficiency systems.
He stressed that the transition should be seen as an investment opportunity rather than a threat to traditional energy businesses.
