The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, has said the African Energy Bank would change the energy fortunes of Nigeria and other African countries.
He gave this submission when he met with the President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Mr Benedict Oramah, in furtherance of ongoing engagements towards the commencement of operations by the lender.
The African Energy Bank is a collaborative effort between Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO). It is set to launch with an asset base of $5 billion, which is projected to grow to $120 billion in five years.
A statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Mrs Nneamaka Okafor, said the take-off of the bank would mark a significant milestone in Africa’s quest for energy security and sustainability.
The Minister described the bank as a landmark initiative poised to transform the continent’s energy landscape.
The statement added that Afreximbank, as a key partner, was transferring its full equity investment in the oil and gas sector, underscoring its commitment to driving energy infrastructure development across the continent.
During the meeting with Mr Oramah, Mr Lokpobiri reiterated Nigeria’s strong support for AEB and its pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s energy potential.
“Nigeria, as a leading oil and gas producer, is well positioned to leverage this transformative initiative,” the minister stated.
“We encourage industry players to seize this opportunity to invest in Africa’s energy future,” he added.
After their discussion, Mr Lokpobiri and Mr Oramah proceeded to the African Energy Bank headquarters for an inspection tour to assess the level of readiness ahead of the commencement of operations, the statement said.
“The visit provided first-hand insights into the bank’s operational preparedness and strategic alignment with Africa’s broader energy development goals,” it stressed.
Speaking on the significance of the bank, Mr Oramah emphasised the bank’s role in bridging Africa’s energy financing gap, saying, “The establishment of the Africa Energy Bank is a game-changer for the continent.”
The Afreximbank president commended Nigeria for taking the bull by the horns in hosting the headquarters of the bank. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas portfolio, saying the bank will not only benefit the energy sector in Africa, but will also guarantee immediate benefits for Nigeria.
Mr Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate towards the success of the continental bank, describing it as a bold step.
“This bank represents a bold step in ensuring that Africa controls and finances its energy future. It is an avenue for stakeholders to invest in a self-sustaining energy sector that will drive industrialisation, job creation, and economic prosperity,” he said.
The statement said that as Africa prepared for the operational launch of the African Energy Bank, the Nigerian government called on industry stakeholders to engage proactively and explore the vast opportunities presented by the initiative.
“The successful take-off of the bank will mark a new era in Africa’s energy development, positioning the continent as a global force in the sector,” the statement added.