Africa requires a transformation in energy, says Kyari.

The African Continent needs “a just, differentiated transition” in order to be able to utilize its resources for the benefit of future generations, according to Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., as discussions on finding sustainable solutions for a decarbonized energy future continue to take place globally.

Speaking on the margins of the ongoing United Nations Conference on Climate Change, popularly known as the COP28 Conference, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, the NNPCL GCEO made this announcement during a Regional CEO Panel hosted by McKinsey & Company.

In addition to other international energy executives from the US, the Netherlands, and Oman, Kyari stated that in order to effectively address the consequences of climate change on the energy industry, the world has to take into account the unique characteristics of Africa.

“I have consistently argued for a fair and distinct energy transition. Our conditions are different in Africa than they are elsewhere in the globe.

Since 75% of people in Africa lack access to electricity, biomass is a vital source of energy for the continent. In order to narrow the energy gap caused by our growing population, the world must realize that replacing what we now have is the most practical course of action, he said.

Nigeria is expected to rank third in the world’s population and rank among the top 10 economies in the world by 2035. According to the GCEO, the issue of energy poverty must be addressed as countries work together to attain net zero by 2050.

With ample natural gas reserves of 206 trillion cubic feet with the potential to increase to 600 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria is presently using gas to propel its energy transformation, according to the head of NNPCL.