THE SECRETARY General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Dr. Omar Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian oil and gas industry stakeholders to explore expansion opportunities in other African oil-producing nations.
Dr. Ibrahim made this appeal during his address at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair (NOGOF 2025) in Yenagoa on Thursday.
The event, organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has attracted participation from approximately 1,000 companies showcasing opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs in the energy sector.
Commending Nigeria’s leadership in the African oil and gas industry, the APPO Secretary General emphasized the need for Nigerian firms to extend their operations beyond domestic borders.
He noted that Nigeria’s regulatory frameworks and local content initiatives serve as a model for other African nations.
“Nigeria is currently performing commendably in the oil and gas sector, particularly in regulatory standards, which many countries are adopting. Nigerian Content has become a benchmark for other African oil producers,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
“While Nigeria is making significant progress, there is room for further growth by exploring expansion opportunities abroad. Based on the innovations displayed in the exhibition hall, Nigerian entrepreneurs are well-positioned to export their solutions across Africa and beyond,” he added.
Dr. Ibrahim also advised industry players to move away from sole proprietorship models and instead seek strategic partnerships with counterparts in other African markets to facilitate entry into foreign markets.
He cited the example of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria, which have incorporated partial local ownership structures to gain operational access.
“Nigerian business leaders should reconsider the ‘me and my son’ ownership approach and instead embrace shared ownership with partners in other oil-producing nations to establish a presence in those markets,” he urged.
The NOGOF 2025 fair serves as a platform to highlight opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs to enhance their participation in the energy sector, fostering collaboration and investment across the continent. (NAN).
