African Nations Urged to Retain Fossil Fuels, PTI Advocates Innovation

The Petroleum Institute Effurun (PTI) in Delta State, Nigeria, cautioned on October 16, 2023, that African countries should not rush to abandon fossil fuels. With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the institution advocates for the development of local technologies to foster sustainable exploitation of these resources.

During a press briefing ahead of the upcoming 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST), scheduled for October 22, 2025, PTI’s Principal and Chief Executive, Dr. Samuel Onoji, emphasized the importance of research and development in enhancing local capacities for oil and gas exploration. He argued that despite global shifts towards cleaner energy, the demand for fossil fuels is likely to endure for the next 50 years.

Onoji highlighted that only a few African nations have mastered aspects of oil production technology and have the capability to fabricate essential machinery for the industry. The conference aims to address these gaps by focusing on research in critical areas of the hydrocarbon value chain. He stated, “Today, we are confronted with the stark reality that only a few African countries have been able to master certain aspects of oil production technology.”

As the global energy landscape evolves, PTI is positioning itself as a leader in fostering innovation within the sector. The ICHST will provide a platform for nurturing the next generation of energy professionals, offering students and young researchers opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. The technical papers presented at the conference will encompass various topics, from exploration and decommissioning to advancements in environmental management, artificial intelligence, robotics, and carbon capture utilization and storage.

Onoji praised the ongoing transformation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, marked by increased investments in exploration activities. He noted that the Nigerian government has declared 2021-2030 as the decade of gas, which complements the conference’s objectives. “As the world grapples with energy transition, the utilization of fossil fuels to cleaner and more environmentally friendly sources of energy is critical,” he added.

The realization of the ICHST is attributed to strong partnerships with several organizations, including the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, among others. These collaborations aim to align regulatory reforms with the evolving dynamics of the global oil and gas industry.

Onoji’s remarks underscore the necessity for African nations to invest in local content capacity and technological advancements, ensuring that the continent can effectively harness its hydrocarbon resources while addressing environmental concerns. The PTI remains committed to facilitating training solutions and research that reflect the unique challenges posed by Africa’s hydrocarbon situation.