Seplat Energy PLC has emphasized that Nigeria’s prosperity hinges on ensuring affordable, reliable, and accessible energy for all citizens.

Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy, made the remarks during his keynote address at the 43rd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference & Exhibition in Lagos.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Revitalizing the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production: Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development”, Ezugworie stressed that: “The imperative before us is clear. We must build a prosperous Nigeria, and we can only do that with affordable and reliable energy that is accessible to all.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s energy challenges, he noted that more than 70 million Nigerians still lack electricity access, while over 170 million rely on biomass for cooking — a situation harmful to both the environment and households. With the nation’s population projected to reach 237 million by 2025 and 400 million by 2050, Ezugworie warned that urgent action is needed to avoid exacerbating current energy deficits, housing shortages, and job creation demands.

To address these challenges, Ezugworie advocated for increased oil production to boost national revenue, stimulate GDP growth, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as Africa’s economic powerhouse. He also called for the accelerated development of the country’s vast gas reserves to expand domestic energy access, provide clean cooking solutions, replace polluting generators, and power local industries.

“The global energy landscape is shifting, and so too is our own. We are witnessing a transition in the ownership and operation of Nigeria’s vast natural resources as assets pass from well-funded, well-resourced international giants to local Nigerian operators, blessed with enthusiasm and expertise but less global in their outlook.  It’s a shift that creates new capital dynamics in our need to raise international finance, while at the same time increasing our focus on managing risks and looking after our natural environment,” Ezugworie said.

He highlighted Seplat Energy’s guiding principles — Leadership, Partnership, and Stewardship — which have underpinned the company’s recent successes. Since taking control of its offshore assets, Seplat has rehabilitated 33 wells, with 26 now producing around 33,000 barrels, helping to close the nation’s production gap.

On the gas front, Ezugworie reported that Seplat is nearing first gas delivery from its ANOH Gas Processing Plant joint venture. Additionally, the company recently shipped its first LPG cargo from the upgraded Sapele Gas Plant and is on track to eliminate routine flaring in onshore operations — reducing emissions, capturing gas, and generating revenue simultaneously.

“Our progress on gas initiatives like ANOH, Sapele, and LPG shipments is a testament to our commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity. These projects are not just about energy; they are about transforming lives and powering Nigeria’s development,” he added.