President Bola Tinubu, during a speech in Abuja, emphasized the importance of achieving a fair balance between fossil fuels and green energy in the energy transition process. He further appealed to developed nations, including the United States, to consider Nigeria and Africa’s struggle with poverty while transitioning to clean energy.During a meeting with Geoffrey Praytt, the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources, at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu stressed the need to strike a balance between new energy sources and fossil fuels. He highlighted that while transitioning to cleaner energy is important, it should not overshadow the pressing issue of poverty in Africa. Tinubu emphasized that the new energy sources only account for a small fraction of global energy demands, emphasizing the importance of considering Africa’s specific challenges in the energy transition.In a statement titled “President Tinubu seeks better cooperation with us over energy transition,” Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, highlighted the call made by President Tinubu for enhanced cooperation with the United States regarding the energy transition. The statement emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the two nations in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to cleaner energy sources.During the meeting with the US delegation, President Tinubu expressed his viewpoints on the significance of Nigeria as an oil-producing nation and emphasized the role of fossil oil revenue in the country’s economic well-being. He highlighted the importance of finding a balance between the transition to cleaner energy sources and the need to sustain Nigeria’s economy through revenue generated from fossil fuels.President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation and a developing economy, relies on revenue from fossil fuels for its growth and development. He assured that the country is committed to fulfilling its obligations in addressing climate change and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. Despite the focus on clean energy, he emphasized the need to balance economic development with the transition and ensure the country’s energy needs are met.Tinubu made an appeal to the United States and other developed nations to acknowledge the challenge of poverty faced by Nigeria and Africa. He stressed the importance of finding a balance between fossil fuel and green energy in the global energy transition. Tinubu emphasized that while the world focuses on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, it is crucial to consider the economic challenges and energy needs of developing nations like Nigeria.President Tinubu highlighted the link between poverty in Africa and the fragility of democracy on the continent. He called on the United States to collaborate with Nigeria in safeguarding the government of the people. Tinubu urged the Assistant Secretary of State to communicate to his government the importance of responding promptly to Nigeria’s needs. He expressed appreciation for the partnership between Nigeria and the US but raised concerns about whether Nigeria is receiving sufficient support from the United States.President Tinubu emphasized the importance of adequate funding support from the United States to facilitate Nigeria’s energy diversification efforts. He expressed concerns about bureaucratic hurdles that sometimes hinder prompt assistance from the US. Tinubu urged for timely and effective support, stating that Nigeria should not be left hungry to the extent of having to rely on unfavorable alternatives.President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to learn and evolve in order to be part of the global 21st-century economy. He emphasized the need for urgent assistance and conveyed his gratitude for the recognition of Nigeria’s progress thus far. Tinubu assured that Nigeria is committed to fulfilling its obligations regarding climate change and renewable energy.Ambassador Praytt commended President Tinubu for his courageous economic measures, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of multiple foreign exchange rates. He also conveyed President Joe Biden’s support for Nigeria’s efforts in reducing the impact of fossil fuels.

Furthermore, the ambassador expressed that a new chapter in US-Nigeria relations is being opened, acknowledging Nigeria’s significant strides in developing renewable energy to meet the needs of its citizens.During the meeting, the US Envoy expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the US Department of Energy and Nigeria’s NNPC Limited, as well as President Tinubu’s team. The envoy specifically praised the efforts of the new Special Adviser on Energy.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, highlighted that the Nigerian energy industry has been actively engaging with the US Department of Energy regarding the energy transition. Kyari also acknowledged the support received from the US Department of Energy in the development of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Overall, the discussions emphasized the positive cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the energy sector.