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Oando Energy Resources (OER), the upstream subsidiary of Oando Plc, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power to advance Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda, boost electricity generation and support the country’s industrialisation drive.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the company’s management team to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, where both sides discussed strategies to expand domestic gas utilisation, strengthen power infrastructure and accelerate reforms aimed at improving electricity supply across the country.
The meeting brought together senior officials of the ministry and OER’s upstream leadership in what both sides described as a timely engagement amid ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s power supply challenges.
Speaking during the visit, Managing Director of OER, Dr. Ainojie “Alex” Irune, said the company’s growing gas portfolio places it at the centre of Nigeria’s energy transition and economic development.
He noted that Oando’s operations already support the country’s power generation infrastructure through the Okpai Independent Power Plant, which supplies electricity to about 50 million Nigerians and contributes roughly 15 per cent of the nation’s power generation.
Irune described the facility as a proven “black start” power plant with a strong record of reliable operations, adding that Oando is increasingly prioritising gas development as a catalyst for economic transformation.
“Domestic capacity is not only an imperative now, but it is also the only way we get out of an economic crisis,” he said.
According to him, sustained investment in domestic gas resources, power infrastructure and industrial capacity will be essential to building a productive economy.
The OER boss also highlighted the activities of Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), the company’s renewable energy subsidiary established five years ago, which is exploring ways to combine gas, solar, wind and hydropower to improve access to affordable and reliable electricity across Africa.
He disclosed that the company is piloting an innovative project that repurposes abandoned oil wells within the Oando Joint Venture into geothermal-style power generation facilities, describing it as an example of the homegrown solutions required to address Africa’s energy needs.
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Responding, Minister Tegbe welcomed Oando’s continued engagement and described the discussions as an opportunity to align government policies with private sector investment and technical expertise.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening gas-to-power projects as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s industrialisation strategy.
“We can talk about carbon credits, but in reality, it’s about the resources you have. You have to use them. That’s your advantage. Get it done in the cheapest, most efficient way possible. For me, it’s hydro, gas, and solar,” the minister said.
Tegbe also welcomed Oando’s offer to provide technical and advisory support to the ministry, particularly in the areas of skills development and knowledge transfer.
“I look forward to that collaboration, and I believe the power sector will get to a point where we start to see real progress. We need to look at how we use skills transfer and exchange to ensure our public sector side is also equipped to deliver on projects. I believe we will get there,” he added.
Both parties agreed to sustain engagement in the coming weeks as part of efforts to accelerate reforms and improve electricity delivery.
In his closing remarks, Irune stressed that achieving Nigeria’s energy transformation would require a shared commitment between government and the private sector.
“The ambition is not yours alone,” he told the minister, urging sustained collaboration to deliver the country’s long-term energy roadmap.
Oando said the meeting reinforces its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s power sector reforms and advancing gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
