Fuel
By Emmanuella Anokam
Dr Samuel Onoji, the Principal, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta, has cautioned African countries against hastily abandoning fossil fuels in their energy transition agenda.
Onoji gave the advice in Abuja while briefing newsmen ahead of the institute’s 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025).
The conference, scheduled for Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 at the PTDF Towers, Abuja, is themed “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance.”
The PTI chief executive officer said the theme was carefully chosen to address the realities of energy transition, sustainable development, and the need to strengthen local content capacity in Africa’s oil and gas industry.
“The notion that fossil fuels will be phased out by 2050 or 2060 is unrealistic.
“Fossil fuels have come to stay, but we must balance growth with environmental protection and good governance.”
He said that PTI was also exploring renewable energy research as part of its contribution to Nigeria’s energy transition plan.
Onoji said Africa, with an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil and more than 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, must take a measured approach in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
“Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuel but should deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilisation of our oil and gas endowments in an environmentally friendly manner.
“The reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.’’
Onoji said ICHST was designed to bring together scientists, researchers, industry players, policymakers, students, and academics to examine topical issues and share cutting-edge research on hydrocarbons and energy transition.
According to him, the papers to be presented will cover the entire hydrocarbon value chain, from exploration to decommissioning and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental management, and carbon capture technologies.
He said PTI, established by Act No. 37 of 1972, had a mandate to train competent technical and technological manpower for the oil and gas industry through quality instruction, research, and consultancy services.
Onoji said that the institute was investing heavily in developing local technologies for oil drilling, production, and refining through its research and development directorate.
“We have been in the oil and gas business for 53 years and are developing modular refineries and drilling technologies that will enhance local capacity in oil production and processing,” he said.
He added that the Institute was also working on reducing carbon emissions through innovations in natural gas utilisation and the development of carbon capture and storage mechanisms.
The PTI principal expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), ministry and other industry stakeholders for supporting the conference.
He also commended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo for their commitments.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
